Newly Inducted INS Tamal With 500 KM-Range BrahMos Challenges S-400, S-500, Iron Dome Systems
Amid growing concerns over maritime security, India is significantly ramping up its naval capabilities to counter increasing Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean. With Beijing expanding its presence under the pretext of research missions, India is investing heavily in frigates, warships, and aircraft carriers to strengthen the Indian Navy and safeguard its strategic interests.
On July 1, the INS Tamal, a stealth frigate of the Tushil class (Kirvak-III), was inducted into the Indian Navy with Russian cooperation. This addition significantly boosts India's naval power and maritime security. India and Russia have signed multi-billion-pound agreements for constructing aircraft carriers and warships.
With the commissioning of INS Tamal, India has received two of the four frigates, with the remaining two to be manufactured domestically. The deal, valued at approximately Rs 21,000 crore, was finalised in October 2016.
The INS Tamal boasts numerous advanced features, including an ultra-modern radar system and the Brahmos cruise missile. The missile's range has been extended from 290 km to 450-500 km, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. Measuring approximately 125 metres long and weighing 3,900 tonnes, the frigate's stealth capability and sleek design are noteworthy.
Reports from the India Defence Research Wing indicate that the radar system on INS Tamal can detect air strikes and missile attacks promptly, enabling effective countermeasures. The frigate's ultra-modern weapon system ensures robust maritime defence and a strong retaliatory capability against adversaries.
INS Tamal is expected to be highly effective in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, which have become security hotspots due to China's aggressive policies. Additionally, INS Tamal will enhance surveillance against infiltration attempts from Pakistan through the Arabian Sea border near Kutch.
INS Tamal–BrahMos Duo Boosts India's Naval Strike Power
Before its induction, the Indian Navy tested INS Tamal's capabilities in the Andaman-Nicobar region, evaluating its mobility and weapon systems, especially the Brahmos cruise missile. The missile demonstrated remarkable performance, flying at an elevation so low—just 3 to 4 metres above the sea surface—that it evaded radar detection. This capability makes Brahmos a formidable asset, posing a significant challenge to enemy defences.
Radar systems operate by detecting radiation reflected from objects at a certain minimum altitude. However, the BrahMos cruise missile launched from INS Tamal struck its target while flying at an ultra-low altitude, effectively staying below radar detection. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough for India and poses a serious challenge for potential adversaries.
Even Advanced Systems Like S-500 or Iron Dome May Fail
The question arises whether air defence systems can intercept the Brahmos missile fired from INS Tamal. INS Tamal has been specifically designed for naval warfare, but it also carries missiles capable of striking land-based targets. This makes it a versatile platform for multi-role operations, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missions.
The recent test of the BrahMos missile from INS Tamal demonstrated its ability to fly at extremely low altitudes—just three to four metres above the surface. If this capability is maintained during actual anti-surface missions, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for even the most advanced air defence systems like the S-400, S-500, or Iron Dome to detect and intercept it.
INS Tamal To Be Armed With Barak-8 Missiles
Barak-8 missiles can also be deployed on INS Tamal, significantly enhancing its air defence capabilities. Specifically designed to counter aerial threats, the Barak-8 can effectively intercept fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and drones. With a strike range of 70 to 100 kilometres, this vertically launched missile system offers 360-degree coverage, making it a highly versatile weapon. Known for its precision in tracking and neutralising threats, the Barak-8 adds a formidable layer of defence.
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