India is set to strengthen its naval forces with the addition of INS Tamal, a new multi-role stealth frigate built in Russia. This warship is the second of its kind to be delivered under a bilateral defence agreement and will soon join the Indian Navy.

What is INS Tamal?

INS Tamal is a 3,900-tonne stealth frigate built for the Indian Navy as part of an agreement signed with Russia in October 2016. The agreement included the construction of four upgraded Krivak-III class frigates:

• Two of these frigates, including INS Tushil and INS Tamal, are being built in Russia at a cost of around Rs 8,000 crore.
• The remaining two, named INS Triput and INS Tavasya, are being built in India at Goa Shipyard Limited, under a technology transfer agreement, at a cost of about Rs 13,000 crore.

The first frigate, INS Tushil, was commissioned in December 2024 and reached its Indian base in February 2025. INS Tamal is currently undergoing final testing in Kaliningrad, Russia, and will be handed over to the Indian Navy shortly.

INS Tamal is expected to be the last warship commissioned outside India or imported from another country. With this, India shifts focus entirely to designing and building warships domestically, reflecting its progress toward naval self-reliance.

Key Features of INS Tamal:

INS Tamal is designed for multi-dimensional warfare and can operate in air, surface, underwater, and electronic environments. Some of its major features include:

• BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles with a strike range of 450 km.
• Shtil surface-to-air missiles, launched vertically and capable of intercepting aerial threats.
• Anti-submarine weapons, including torpedoes and rockets.
• High operational speed, capable of sailing at over 30 knots.
• Ability to carry Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters, used for submarine detection and early warning.
• Advanced stealth technology to reduce visibility across radar, infrared, and sound frequencies.
• Automation systems that improve combat efficiency and reduce human error.

India’s Shipbuilding Progress:

India's warship construction capabilities have significantly advanced. The Directorate of Naval Design, established in 1970, has played a key role in making India a builder’s navy. Currently:

• Over 60 warships are under construction at Indian shipyards.
• The first indigenous frigate under the current agreement has already been launched into water.
• The second frigate is scheduled to be launched within a few months.
• GSL plans to deliver the first Indian-built frigate in 2026, and the second six months later.
• All four ships in the project are powered by engines supplied by Zorya Nashproekt of Ukraine.

Conclusion:

The commissioning of INS Tamal reflects India’s focus on building a modern and capable naval force. With advanced weapons, stealth features, and high mobility, the warship will enhance the country’s maritime strength. Together with the success in indigenous mine development, it shows India’s balanced approach—strengthening foreign partnerships while promoting self-reliance in defence technology. This is especially important as India seeks to secure its maritime interests in a region facing increasing security challenges.