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INS Tamal to Be Commissioned in Russia Today: Indian Navy’s Last Foreign-Built Warship Marks New Era of Self-Reliance

Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will preside over the commissioning ceremony as the Chief Guest, alongside senior Indian and Russian officials.

TIS Desk | New Delhi |

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The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, in a ceremony at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on Tuesday. Marking a historic milestone, INS Tamal will be the last warship built for India outside the country, as the Navy accelerates its push for indigenisation under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will preside over the commissioning ceremony as the Chief Guest, alongside senior Indian and Russian officials.

INS Tamal is the eighth frigate in the Krivak/Talwar class series acquired from Russia over the past two decades. It is also the second ship of the Tushil-class, an upgraded variant featuring enhanced weaponry and sensors. Its induction will bring the total number of similar-capability frigates in the Indian Navy to ten, with two more being indigenously constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian assistance.

The warship, which weighs approximately 3,900 tonnes and spans 125 metres, incorporates 26% indigenous content, including major systems like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, and Surface Surveillance Radar complex. Its weapon suite also features vertical-launched surface-to-air missiles, heavyweight torpedoes, 100mm upgraded naval gun, and advanced electronic warfare systems.

The vessel’s combat capabilities are further enhanced by its ability to deploy airborne assets like multi-role and airborne early warning helicopters, and by possessing network-centric warfare capabilities. It boasts a top speed of over 30 knots, extended endurance, and a high firepower-to-tonnage ratio.

The crew of over 250 personnel underwent rigorous training in extreme Russian winter conditions in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, ensuring their readiness for high-intensity maritime operations. Tamal successfully completed a comprehensive three-month sea trial phase.

Symbolically rich in tradition, INS Tamal is named after the mythical sword of Indra, the King of Gods, while its mascot represents a fusion of India’s Jambavant, the immortal bear-king, and Russia’s Eurasian Brown Bear. The crew proudly identify as “The Great Bears”. The ship’s motto—“Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” (Victorious Always, Every Time)—reflects the Navy’s enduring commitment to operational excellence.

Once commissioned, INS Tamal will join the Western Fleet, also known as the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy, further strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and exemplifying the robust Indo-Russian defence partnership that continues to evolve in support of India’s self-reliance goals.

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