Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 22: The Indian Navy is poised to welcome its latest cutting-edge warship, INS Tamal, into service on July 1. The commissioning will take place at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime capability development.
INS Tamal represents the eighth and final vessel of the Russian-origin Krivak-class series that India has acquired over the last 20 years. It is the second ship in the modernized Tushil class—an upgraded line that builds upon the strengths of the earlier Talwar and Teg classes.
The formal commissioning ceremony will be attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, who will preside over the event as Chief Guest. Senior defence officials and dignitaries from both India and Russia are expected to be present.
The Tushil class initiative goes beyond foreign procurement. Under a collaborative agreement, India is constructing two additional ships—Triput class frigates—at Goa Shipyard Limited, using Russian technology and design support. Once completed, the Navy will operate ten frigates across four classes, all sharing a high degree of system compatibility and combat capability.
Built at the Yantar Shipyard, INS Tamal holds the distinction of being the last major combat ship to be sourced internationally, as India pivots toward indigenous warship construction under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programs.
The ship incorporates 26% Indian-made components, including the formidable BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. It features advanced weaponry such as vertical-launch surface-to-air missiles, a new-generation 100 mm naval gun, cutting-edge electro-optical/infrared systems, close-in weapon systems (CIWS), heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rocket systems, and a suite of surveillance and fire control radars.
INS Tamal is designed as a multi-role platform with enhanced endurance, exceptional firepower, and speeds exceeding 30 knots. It can operate a range of helicopters—including Airborne Early Warning and Multi-Role variants—boosting its reach and versatility. The ship also includes sophisticated network-centric warfare tools and an advanced electronic warfare suite, offering a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio.
An Indian team from the Warship Overseeing Team stationed in Kaliningrad, under the Embassy of India in Moscow, supervised the construction process. At home, the Directorate of Ship Production oversaw the project under the aegis of the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition.
The ship’s complement of over 250 crew members has undergone rigorous training in harsh Russian winter conditions across St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. After passing intensive three-month sea trials, Tamal has demonstrated combat readiness and full operational capability.
Fitted with state-of-the-art communications, navigation, and command systems, the warship is a valuable addition to the Navy’s blue-water force. Key Indian defence firms contributing to its construction include BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems (Tata Group), Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India.
With INS Tamal, India sails into a new era of maritime power—firmly anchored in strategic self-reliance and global defence partnerships.