INS Tamal: India’s Latest Stealth Guided Missile Frigate

Why in the News?

INS Tamal, an advanced stealth guided missile frigate, was recently commissioned into the Indian Navy. Built under the Krivak-III class as part of an India-Russia deal, it enhances India’s maritime security and signifies a shift towards indigenous warship construction.

INS Tamal: India’s Latest Stealth Guided Missile Frigate

About INS Tamal:

  • INS Tamal is a state-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy.
  • Developed under the Krivak-III class as part of a $2.5 billion India-Russia deal.
  • Part of a four-frigate deal—two built in Russia, two at Goa Shipyard Limited, India.
  • Follows INS Tushil, which was commissioned in December 2024.

Key Features & Capabilities

  • Designed for blue-water operations, capable of air, surface, underwater, and electronic warfare.
  • Size: 125 meters in length with a 3,900-tonne displacement.
  • Blend of Russian and Indian technology, with 26% indigenous components.
  • Weapon Systems:
    • 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) for naval engagements.
    • Two Indigenous Triple Torpedo Launchers (ITTL) for 324mm torpedoes.
    • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for high-precision strikes.
    • Shtil surface-to-air missiles for air defense.

Significance & Strategic Importance

  • Represents India’s growing self-reliance in naval defense manufacturing.
  • Last imported warship, marking India’s shift towards indigenous warship construction.
  • Enhances India’s maritime security and defense capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Strengthens Indo-Russian defense collaboration while boosting India’s Make in India