On July 1, the Indian Navy announced it had received the last of the newly built Krivak III-class stealth frigates—and the second unit of the Tushil subclass—constructed by Russia at the Yantar Shipyard in the Kaliningrad region. The vessel, named INS Tamal (F-71), was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command; Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition; and Admiral Sergei Lipin, Commander of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy, among other authorities.
Among the statements made during the event, Admiral Singh, who served as guest of honor, remarked: “The induction of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the reach, responsiveness, and resilience of the Indian Navy. I am confident the ship will prove to be a force multiplier in our operational architecture, safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security.” He also highlighted that although the ship was built in Russia, 26% of its components were of Indian origin.
As for the technical characteristics of the new INS Tamal, the vessel measures approximately 125 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,000 tons. It was launched in 2022 and successfully completed its extensive sea trials last month. Of the aforementioned 26% of Indian-made components, notable integrations include the modern Huma NG Mk.2 radar and the ASW C2 system—two of more than 33 Indian-origin subsystems supplied by local companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, and Nova Integrated Systems.
In terms of armament, INS Tamal is equipped with eight supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles (also domestically developed), vertically launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles, and an upgraded 100 mm A-190-01 main gun. Additionally, the frigate features two AK-630 CIWS units, an anti-submarine rocket launcher, heavy torpedo tubes, and decoy launchers to bolster its defensive capabilities. The vessel is also capable of operating Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters and upgraded Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters.
Looking ahead, INS Tamal is expected to begin its maiden voyage soon toward its future homeport in Karwar, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Although specific details have not been disclosed, the Indian Navy indicated that the ship will call at various ports along the way and “demonstrate its combat readiness” as it rapidly integrates into active service.
*Image credits: Yantar Shipyards – Indian Navy
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