INS Tamal Commissioning: Indian Navy to commission its final Russian-built Tushil-class frigate on July 1, 2025, marking a key milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence and enhanced maritime strength.
🛳️ INS Tamal to Be Commissioned on July 1: A Landmark in Indian Naval History
Strategic Induction in Kaliningrad
The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, a state-of-the-art, Russian-manufactured, guided-missile frigate, on July 1, 2025, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This ceremony will be led by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, with the presence of senior Indian and Russian defence officials
The Final Russian-Built Frigate
INS Tamal marks the eighth and final Krivak-class frigate inducted from Russia over two decades. Its commissioning closes India’s chapter of importing frontline warships and highlights the nation’s shift towards self-reliance in defence
Specifications & Indigenous Components
Weighing approximately 3,900 tonnes and stretching 125 meters, INS Tamal carries a robust arsenal—26% Indian-made, including the sophisticated BrahMos supersonic cruise missile capable of striking both sea and land targets
Advanced Armament & Sensors
This Tushil‑class frigate is armed with vertical-launch Shtil-1 SAMs, an upgraded A190‑01 100 mm naval gun, 30 mm CIWS, heavyweight torpedoes, and urgent-attack anti-submarine rockets. It also carries enhanced surveillance, fire-control radars, and an advanced network-centric warfare suite
Propulsion, Endurance & Speed
Powered by gas turbine systems delivering 44,000 hp, INS Tamal achieves an endurance of 4,850 nautical miles at 14 knots, a max speed of 30+ knots, and can accommodate a crew of over 250 personnel
Training & Sea Trials
Indian sailors underwent extensive training amid the harsh winters of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, followed by a three-month rigorous sea trial period. Their preparation encompassed weapons fire, navigation, and real-world operational drills
Symbolism & Indo-Russian Partnership
Named after Tamal, the mythical sword of Lord Indra, the ship’s mascot blends India’s Jambavant, the immortal bear, with Russia’s national symbol, the Eurasian brown bear. It signifies the enduring Indo-Russian defence collaboration
Why This News Matters for Aspirants
Marking a Shift in Defence Strategy
The commissioning of INS Tamal represents India’s transition from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy”—a key theme in civil service and defence exam syllabi. This event underscores the successful implementation of the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative
Geopolitical & Security Implications
Given the growing Chinese and Pakistani naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region, suppression of foreign dependence is critical. INS Tamal’s inclusion significantly enhances India’s maritime deterrence and blue-water capabilities
Strategic Partnership with Russia
The induction reflects the sustained strategic and technological collaboration between India and Russia, especially in defence trade, offering insights into diplomatic relations—a common topic in UPSC, CDS, and CAPF prelims and mains .
Technological and Indigenous Growth
Integration of 26% indigenous systems—BrahMos, HUMSA sonar, surveillance radars—showcases India’s maturing defence industrial base and aligns with Make in India, a recurring theme in governance and economic planning exams
Historical Context: From Russian Ship-Building to Atmanirbharta
India’s naval acquisition strategy has evolved over decades, beginning in the 2000s with Russian-built Talwar and Teg-class frigates. Under successive deals, including the 2018 agreement for four Krivak-class ships, India obtained six vessels—all built in Russia
However, events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global disruptions highlighted vulnerabilities in relying on foreign suppliersn response, India initiated a shift toward indigenous warship production, exemplified by the construction of INS Triput and INS Tavasya at Goa Shipyard, supported by Russian design transfer
The commissioning of INS Tamal is a symbolic moment—India’s last Russian-built frigate—while the Navy moves into the next decade with an expanding home-grown fleet under projects like Project 17A (Nilgiri-class)
Key Takeaways from INS Tamal Commissioning
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | INS Tamal will be commissioned on July 1, 2025, in Kaliningrad and is the last Russian-built frigate for India. |
| 2. | It is the eighth Krivak-class frigate, from the upgraded Tushil-class, featuring 26% indigenous systems. |
| 3. | Enhancements include BrahMos missiles, Shtil-1 SAMs, A190 gun, CIWS, torpedoes, and electronic warfare suites. |
| 4. | Powered by gas turbines with 44,000 hp, it displaces ~3,900 tons and supports a 250-strong crew. |
| 5. | Symbolises India’s move toward self-reliant naval capability and reinforces Indo-Russian defence ties. |
🧠 FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is INS Tamal?
INS Tamal is the eighth and final Krivak/Tushil-class stealth frigate built for the Indian Navy by Russia, scheduled for commissioning on July 1, 2025.
Q2. What makes INS Tamal significant in India’s naval history?
It marks the last foreign-built frigate India will induct, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Q3. What are the main weapons systems on board INS Tamal?
The ship is equipped with BrahMos missiles, Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, a 100mm naval gun, CIWS, and anti-submarine torpedoes.
Q4. Where was INS Tamal constructed?
INS Tamal was constructed at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia under the Indo-Russian defence cooperation program.
Q5. How much of INS Tamal is indigenously developed?
Approximately 26% of the ship’s systems are developed in India, including its missile and sonar technologies.
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