The Indian Navy will commission its latest stealth frigate Tamal on July 1 in Kaliningrad, Russia, marking the final warship to be inducted from a foreign shipyard under India’s push for self-reliance. Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate from Russia and the second of the upgraded Tushil class. Two more ships of this class are being built in India at Goa Shipyard with Russian design support.
Built at Yantar Shipyard, Tamal incorporates 26 percent indigenous components, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The 125-meter, 3,900-ton warship features vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, a modern 100 mm gun, EO/IR systems, CIWS, heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and advanced radars. It supports multi-role and airborne early warning helicopters and is equipped with network-centric and electronic warfare systems. The ship can exceed speeds of 30 knots and has extended endurance.
Tamal’s construction was overseen by Indian specialists in Kaliningrad and coordinated by the Directorate of Ship Production in New Delhi. The ship’s name refers to the mythical sword of Indra, and its mascot blends the Indian Jambavant with the Russian brown bear. The crew, known as “The Great Bears,” underwent rigorous training in Russian winter conditions and completed extensive sea trials.
Tamal will join the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command. With 33 Indian-made systems onboard, it symbolizes Indo-Russian defense cooperation and India’s transition toward indigenous warship production. The ship’s motto is “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” (Victorious Always Everytime).
