INS Tamal to Join Indian Navy: Last Imported Warship Signals Shift to Full Indigenous Naval Capability

The Indian Navy will commission its newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia. This marks the last foreign-built warship India will induct, signaling a major step in its self-reliance defence doctrine.

Tamal is the second in the upgraded Tushil class of Krivak-class frigates, blending Russian design with growing Indian technology input—26% of its components are indigenously produced, including the BrahMos cruise missile system.

Image Source: File Photo/PIB

Built at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard under Indian oversight, Tamal features advanced surface-to-air missiles, upgraded naval guns, anti-submarine weapons, modern radars, electronic warfare systems, and network-centric warfare capabilities. The 3,900-ton vessel exceeds 30 knots and supports multi-role helicopters for extended maritime operations.

It is named after Indra’s mythical sword. Tamal shows India’s increasing naval capabilities and the enduring Indo-Russian defence partnership. Once commissioned, it will join the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command.