INS Tamal to Be Commissioned on July 1

In a landmark step toward naval self-reliance, the Indian Navy will commission INS Tamal, a state-of-the-art stealth multi-role frigate, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia. This marks the last time a warship built outside India will join the naval fleet, reinforcing the nation’s shift toward indigenisation under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Why in News?

The commissioning of INS Tamal is significant as it is the last foreign-built warship to be inducted into the Indian Navy. Built at the Yantar Shipyard in Russia, the ship symbolizes the transition from foreign procurement to domestic production under the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ push. The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, signalling the end of a two-decade-long era of warship imports from Russia.

Key Features and Capabilities of INS Tamal

• Class: Krivak/Tushil class frigate
• Length: 125 metres
• Displacement: 3,900 tons
• Stealth Design: Enhanced low radar signature and stability
• Missile Arsenal: Equipped with BrahMos long-range cruise missiles
• Crew Strength: 250+ personnel
• Sea Trials: Successfully completed 3-month-long rigorous tests

Indigenisation Highlights

• Last Imported Warship: No further foreign-built warships post INS Tamal
• Indigenous Content: 26% indigenous initially; number of Made-in-India systems increased to 33

Domestic Warship Construction

• Two sister frigates under Triput class being built at Goa Shipyard Ltd with Russian collaboration
• Commonality in design and equipment across 10 frigates post-completion

Strategic Significance

• Fleet Integration: Will be part of the Western Fleet (‘Sword Arm’ of the Navy) under the Western Naval Command
• Geopolitical Context: Reflects India-Russia defence cooperation, yet marks shift to local production
• Training: Indian crew trained under extreme Russian winter conditions in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad
• Symbolism: Embodies India’s growing defence autonomy and ability to integrate cutting-edge technology

Background

• Krivak Class History: India has inducted 8 Krivak-class frigates since the early 2000s
• Make in India Initiative: Encourages transfer of technology and local manufacturing for defence needs
• Yantar Shipyard: Russian shipyard with a long history of defence exports to India