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India Gazette
02-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
INS Tamal, latest Stealth Frigate, commissioned into Indian Navy
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) on July 1 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. According to a release from the Ministry of Defence, V Adm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, and VAdm Sergie Lipin, Commander of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation Navy, were also present on the occasion, along with other senior officials from the Indian and Russian Governments, Navies, and industries. INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first ship of the Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on 09 Dec 24 in the presence of the Honourable Raksha Mantri. All seven ships inducted thus far are part of the Western Fleet - 'The Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command. This ceremony marks the formal induction of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy. The ship is commanded by Capt Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist. The ceremony kicked off with an impressive joint Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the ship's crew and Russia's Baltic Naval Fleet. The ceremony was declared open by Mr Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov, Director General of United Shipbuilding Corporation. In his speech, Mikhaeeiilv Babich, Deputy Director General of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, spoke about the maritime technological cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies and its growing future trajectory. This was followed by addresses of senior Russian government dignitaries and V Adm R Swaminathan, CWP&A, who highlighted the commissioning of Tamal as symbolic of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. It also exemplifies the collaborative strength and the ability to dovetail the technologies of both nations into one combat platform. He commented that the Indo-Russian strategic partnership has stood the test of time, with Tamal being the 51st ship being produced under this collaborative effort in the past 65 years. He congratulated all those involved in the project, especially the shipyard workers, Indian and Russian OEMs, for their excellent workmanship and flawless integration of indigenous systems, contributing handsomely to the Aatmanirbhar and Make in India initiative of the GOI. This was followed by the signing of the Delivery Act by the Commanding Officer Designate and Mr Sergey Kupriynav, Director General of the Russian Naval Department, formalising the transfer of the ship to the Indian Navy. The next ceremony involved the lowering of the Russian Navy flag, followed by the reading of the Commissioning Warrant issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Commanding Officer. The Indian Naval ensign was hoisted in the presence of distinguished guests, accompanied by the national anthem and a ceremonial salute by the 'Colour Guard' proudly presented by the Crew. Simultaneously, the ship's commissioning pennant was also hoisted, signifying its induction into active Naval service. The pennant will remain aflutter till the time the ship remains in commission. In his address, the Chief Guest, V Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, noted that the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in the country's maritime defence capabilities and Indo-Russian Cooperation. He commented that INS Tamal joins the illustrious list of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class of ships, renowned for their dependability and prowess. The CinC congratulated the crew and Yantar Shipyard for their efforts in making the commissioning ceremony impressive and memorable. He extended his appreciation to the Russian Ministry of Defence, FSMTC, Rosoboronexport, United Shipping Corporation, Yantar Shipyard, and the Warship Overseeing Team for their relentless efforts in building the warship. 'The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy's reach, responsiveness, and resilience,' he said. He added, ' I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, towards safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security. ' The Chief guest also acknowledged the Russian Navy and Baltic Fleet for their role in bringing Tamal to its full combat capability and appreciated the commissioning crew for their dedication and professionalism. He remarked that, though being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system. The construction of the next two ships of the class in India further enhances the scope, potential and wide horizon in harnessing and synergising mutual strengths and joint capabilities. He concluded his address by emphasising that the Indian Navy stands as a credible, capable, cohesive, and future-ready force ready to meet any challenges anytime, anywhere. The Chief Guest was shown around the ship by the Commanding Officer and explained the various upgrades made by the ship in addressing the challenges faced by her sister ships and advancements as compared to the previous classes of ships. This was followed by souvenir exchange before signing the visitors' book. He then proceeded to interact with the guests and dignitaries at High Tea. INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue-water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions, i.e., air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic. The ship was launched on 24 February 2022. She sailed for her maiden sea trials in November 2024, and completed an exhaustive schedule of Factory Trials, State Committee Trials and the Delivery Acceptance Trials, both in harbour and at sea, by Jun 2025. The ship has successfully conducted a trial firing of all its Russian weapon systems, including the vertically launched surface-to-air missile Shtil-1, artillery weapons, and torpedoes. Tamal punches well above her weight with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched surface-to-air rockets with extended ranges, the standard 30 MM Close-in Weapon System, the 100 MM Main gun and very potent ASW rockets and heavyweight torpedoes. Tamal is an amalgamation of Indian and Russian technologies with a host of state-of-the-art communication and network-centric operational capabilities. The complement of advanced electronic warfare suite and advanced EO/IR systems adds ears and eyes to this potent platform. The highly versatile combat management system fuses all weapons and sensors into an effective fighting machine. The ship is also capable of embarking the upgraded Anti-submarine and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31, which are formidable force multipliers. The ship has been equipped with complex automated systems for nuclear, biological and chemical defence, including damage control and fire-fighting that can be operated centrally from sheltered posts. These complex systems aid in minimising casualties, achieve rapid restoration of combat effectiveness, and enhance combat capability and survivability. INS Tamal is manned by a crew of about 250 sailors and 26 officers. The officers and sailors of this ship embody the ships motto - Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya (Victory always everywhere), signifying Tamal's undying commitment to operational excellence in every mission, complementing Indian Navy's motto 'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests - Anytime, Anywhere'. The ship will soon embark on her maiden passage back to her homeport of Karwar in Karnataka. Tamal will touch various ports enroute and showcase her combat prowess. It would reach India in combat-ready condition, set to dominate the maritime space. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Indian Navy commissions stealth frigate INS Tamal in Russia
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) on July 1 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Commissioning ceremony of INS Tamal (F71) by the Indian Navy took place at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on Tuesday.(ANI) According to a release from the Ministry of Defence, V Adm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, and VAdm Sergie Lipin, Commander of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation Navy, were also present on the occasion, along with other senior officials from the Indian and Russian Governments, Navies, and industries. INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first ship of the Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on 09 Dec 24 in the presence of the Honourable Raksha Mantri. All seven ships inducted thus far are part of the Western Fleet - 'The Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command. This ceremony marks the formal induction of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy. The ship is commanded by Capt Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist. The ceremony kicked off with an impressive joint Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the ship's crew and Russia's Baltic Naval Fleet. The ceremony was declared open by Mr Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov, Director General of United Shipbuilding Corporation. In his speech, Mikhaeeiilv Babich, Deputy Director General of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, spoke about the maritime technological cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies and its growing future trajectory. This was followed by addresses of senior Russian government dignitaries and V Adm R Swaminathan, CWP&A, who highlighted the commissioning of Tamal as symbolic of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. It also exemplifies the collaborative strength and the ability to dovetail the technologies of both nations into one combat platform. He commented that the Indo-Russian strategic partnership has stood the test of time, with Tamal being the 51st ship being produced under this collaborative effort in the past 65 years. He congratulated all those involved in the project, especially the shipyard workers, Indian and Russian OEMs, for their excellent workmanship and flawless integration of indigenous systems, contributing handsomely to the Aatmanirbhar and Make in India initiative of the GOI. This was followed by the signing of the Delivery Act by the Commanding Officer Designate and Mr Sergey Kupriynav, Director General of the Russian Naval Department, formalising the transfer of the ship to the Indian Navy. The next ceremony involved the lowering of the Russian Navy flag, followed by the reading of the Commissioning Warrant issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Commanding Officer. The Indian Naval ensign was hoisted in the presence of distinguished guests, accompanied by the national anthem and a ceremonial salute by the 'Colour Guard' proudly presented by the Crew. Simultaneously, the ship's commissioning pennant was also hoisted, signifying its induction into active Naval service. The pennant will remain aflutter till the time the ship remains in commission. In his address, the Chief Guest, V Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, noted that the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in the country's maritime defence capabilities and Indo-Russian Cooperation. He commented that INS Tamal joins the illustrious list of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class of ships, renowned for their dependability and prowess. The CinC congratulated the crew and Yantar Shipyard for their efforts in making the commissioning ceremony impressive and memorable. He extended his appreciation to the Russian Ministry of Defence, FSMTC, Rosoboron export, United Shipping Corporation, Yantar Shipyard, and the Warship Overseeing Team for their relentless efforts in building the warship. "The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy's reach, responsiveness, and resilience," he said. He added, " I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, towards safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security. " The Chief guest also acknowledged the Russian Navy and Baltic Fleet for their role in bringing Tamal to its full combat capability and appreciated the commissioning crew for their dedication and professionalism. He remarked that, though being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system. The construction of the next two ships of the class in India further enhances the scope, potential and wide horizon in harnessing and synergising mutual strengths and joint capabilities. He concluded his address by emphasising that the Indian Navy stands as a credible, capable, cohesive, and future-ready force ready to meet any challenges anytime, anywhere. The Chief Guest was shown around the ship by the Commanding Officer and explained the various upgrades made by the ship in addressing the challenges faced by her sister ships and advancements as compared to the previous classes of ships. This was followed by souvenir exchange before signing the visitors' book. He then proceeded to interact with the guests and dignitaries at High Tea. INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue-water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions, i.e., air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic. The ship was launched on 24 February 2022. She sailed for her maiden sea trials in November 2024, and completed an exhaustive schedule of Factory Trials, State Committee Trials and the Delivery Acceptance Trials, both in harbour and at sea, by Jun 2025. The ship has successfully conducted a trial firing of all its Russian weapon systems, including the vertically launched surface-to-air missile Shtil-1, artillery weapons, and torpedoes. Tamal punches well above her weight with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched surface-to-air rockets with extended ranges, the standard 30 MM Close-in Weapon System, the 100 MM Main gun and very potent ASW rockets and heavyweight torpedoes. Tamal is an amalgamation of Indian and Russian technologies with a host of state-of-the-art communication and network-centric operational capabilities. The complement of advanced electronic warfare suite and advanced EO/IR systems adds ears and eyes to this potent platform. The highly versatile combat management system fuses all weapons and sensors into an effective fighting machine. The ship is also capable of embarking the upgraded Anti-submarine and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31, which are formidable force multipliers. The ship has been equipped with complex automated systems for nuclear, biological and chemical defence, including damage control and fire-fighting that can be operated centrally from sheltered posts. These complex systems aid in minimising casualties, achieve rapid restoration of combat effectiveness, and enhance combat capability and survivability. INS Tamal is manned by a crew of about 250 sailors and 26 officers. The officers and sailors of this ship embody the ships motto - Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya (Victory always everywhere), signifying Tamal's undying commitment to operational excellence in every mission, complementing Indian Navy's motto 'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests - Anytime, Anywhere'. The ship will soon embark on her maiden passage back to her homeport of Karwar in Karnataka. Tamal will touch various ports enroute and showcase her combat prowess. It would reach India in combat-ready condition, set to dominate the maritime space.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
INS Tamal, latest Stealth Frigate, commissioned into Indian Navy
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) on July 1 at Yantar Shipyard , Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command . According to a release from the Ministry of Defence, V Adm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, and VAdm Sergie Lipin, Commander of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation Navy, were also present on the occasion, along with other senior officials from the Indian and Russian Governments, Navies, and industries. INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first ship of the Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on 09 Dec 24 in the presence of the Honourable Raksha Mantri. All seven ships inducted thus far are part of the Western Fleet - 'The Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command. This ceremony marks the formal induction of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy. The ship is commanded by Capt Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo The ceremony kicked off with an impressive joint Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the ship's crew and Russia's Baltic Naval Fleet. The ceremony was declared open by Mr Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov, Director General of United Shipbuilding Corporation . In his speech, Mikhaeeiilv Babich, Deputy Director General of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, spoke about the maritime technological cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies and its growing future trajectory. This was followed by addresses of senior Russian government dignitaries and V Adm R Swaminathan, CWP&A, who highlighted the commissioning of Tamal as symbolic of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. It also exemplifies the collaborative strength and the ability to dovetail the technologies of both nations into one combat platform. He commented that the Indo-Russian strategic partnership has stood the test of time, with Tamal being the 51st ship being produced under this collaborative effort in the past 65 years. Live Events He congratulated all those involved in the project, especially the shipyard workers, Indian and Russian OEMs, for their excellent workmanship and flawless integration of indigenous systems, contributing handsomely to the Aatmanirbhar and Make in India initiative of the GOI. This was followed by the signing of the Delivery Act by the Commanding Officer Designate and Mr Sergey Kupriynav, Director General of the Russian Naval Department , formalising the transfer of the ship to the Indian Navy. The next ceremony involved the lowering of the Russian Navy flag, followed by the reading of the Commissioning Warrant issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Commanding Officer. The Indian Naval ensign was hoisted in the presence of distinguished guests, accompanied by the national anthem and a ceremonial salute by the 'Colour Guard' proudly presented by the Crew. Simultaneously, the ship's commissioning pennant was also hoisted, signifying its induction into active Naval service. The pennant will remain aflutter till the time the ship remains in commission. In his address, the Chief Guest, V Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh , noted that the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in the country's maritime defence capabilities and Indo-Russian Cooperation. He commented that INS Tamal joins the illustrious list of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class of ships, renowned for their dependability and prowess. The CinC congratulated the crew and Yantar Shipyard for their efforts in making the commissioning ceremony impressive and memorable. He extended his appreciation to the Russian Ministry of Defence, FSMTC, Rosoboronexport, United Shipping Corporation , Yantar Shipyard, and the Warship Overseeing Team for their relentless efforts in building the warship. "The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy's reach, responsiveness, and resilience," he said. He added, " I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, towards safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security. " The Chief guest also acknowledged the Russian Navy and Baltic Fleet for their role in bringing Tamal to its full combat capability and appreciated the commissioning crew for their dedication and professionalism. He remarked that, though being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system. The construction of the next two ships of the class in India further enhances the scope, potential and wide horizon in harnessing and synergising mutual strengths and joint capabilities. He concluded his address by emphasising that the Indian Navy stands as a credible, capable, cohesive, and future-ready force ready to meet any challenges anytime, anywhere. The Chief Guest was shown around the ship by the Commanding Officer and explained the various upgrades made by the ship in addressing the challenges faced by her sister ships and advancements as compared to the previous classes of ships. This was followed by souvenir exchange before signing the visitors' book. He then proceeded to interact with the guests and dignitaries at High Tea. INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue-water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions, i.e., air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic. The ship was launched on 24 February 2022. She sailed for her maiden sea trials in November 2024, and completed an exhaustive schedule of Factory Trials, State Committee Trials and the Delivery Acceptance Trials, both in harbour and at sea, by Jun 2025. The ship has successfully conducted a trial firing of all its Russian weapon systems, including the vertically launched surface-to-air missile Shtil-1, artillery weapons, and torpedoes. Tamal punches well above her weight with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched surface-to-air rockets with extended ranges, the standard 30 MM Close-in Weapon System, the 100 MM Main gun and very potent ASW rockets and heavyweight torpedoes. Tamal is an amalgamation of Indian and Russian technologies with a host of state-of-the-art communication and network-centric operational capabilities. The complement of advanced electronic warfare suite and advanced EO/IR systems adds ears and eyes to this potent platform. The highly versatile combat management system fuses all weapons and sensors into an effective fighting machine. The ship is also capable of embarking the upgraded Anti-submarine and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31, which are formidable force multipliers. The ship has been equipped with complex automated systems for nuclear, biological and chemical defence, including damage control and fire-fighting that can be operated centrally from sheltered posts. These complex systems aid in minimising casualties, achieve rapid restoration of combat effectiveness, and enhance combat capability and survivability. INS Tamal is manned by a crew of about 250 sailors and 26 officers. The officers and sailors of this ship embody the ships motto - Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya (Victory always everywhere), signifying Tamal's undying commitment to operational excellence in every mission, complementing Indian Navy's motto 'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests - Anytime, Anywhere'. The ship will soon embark on her maiden passage back to her homeport of Karwar in Karnataka. Tamal will touch various ports enroute and showcase her combat prowess. It would reach India in combat-ready condition, set to dominate the maritime space.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Satyam Sharma 11:41 AM (0 minutes ago)to meIndia still waits for a stealth fighter, but now has a stealth ship that can dodge S-500 and destroy F-35, Su-57, or China's J-35A
INS Tamal, a stealth frigate built under the Indo-Russian Project 1135.6 , has joined the Indian Navy 's Western Fleet. The ship will soon reach her homeport of Karwar after completing extensive sea and harbour trials. With its advanced sensors, weaponry, and stealth design, INS Tamal is set to play a major role in India's maritime operations. Tamal will join the Western Fleet—'The Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy—under the Western Naval Command Navy adds stealth edge ahead of IAF's AMCA debut While the Indian Air Force 's stealth fighter programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), remains several years away from deployment, the Indian Navy is getting a major stealth platform. INS Tamal, the eighth Krivak-class frigate sourced from Russia over two decades, is now ready for operational duty. The ship is the second unit of the follow-on Tushil class built under Project 1135.6. It has been designed for full-spectrum blue-water operations and will operate under the Western Naval Command. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 2025 RAV4 Has Arrived — Take a Look Inside TheFactualist Undo — indiannavy (@indiannavy) Stealth and trials before homeport deployment INS Tamal was launched on February 24, 2022. Her maiden sea trials began in November 2024, and by June 2025, she had completed Factory Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials. Live Events During the tests, major weapons of Russian origin—such as the Shtil-1 surface-to-air missile system, torpedoes, and naval guns—were validated for operational readiness. Thanks to her stealth hull and radar-evading design, INS Tamal can operate beyond the detection range of advanced air defence systems like Russia's S-500. — indiannavy (@indiannavy) Key specifications of INS Tamal Length : 125 metres Displacement : 3,900 tonnes Speed : Up to 55 km/h Weapon systems onboard include: BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (range: 290–450 km) Extended-range vertical launch surface-to-air missiles 100 mm naval main gun 30 mm Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Heavyweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rocket launchers Air support capabilities: Operates Kamov-28 (anti-submarine) and Kamov-31 (early warning) helicopters Combat readiness and system integration The ship blends Indian and Russian technologies in its integrated combat management system. This allows its weapons and sensors to work in sync for situational awareness and rapid threat response. INS Tamal also features electronic warfare suites and EO/IR systems for surveillance and target acquisition. Systems for nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) defence, along with automated fire-fighting and damage control, further improve survivability. Crew, deployment, and motto The vessel is manned by 26 officers and about 250 sailors. It operates under the motto 'Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya' (Victory always everywhere), aligning with the Navy's larger goal: 'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere.' Following the December 2024 commissioning of sister ship INS Tushil, INS Tamal will now be part of the Western Fleet, known as 'The Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy. The ship is expected to make several port visits as it sails to Karwar in Karnataka.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Navy boosts capability with two new warships
The Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned its latest stealth multirole frigate, INS Tamal, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia in the presence of Western Naval Command chief, Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh who said its induction marked a significant milestone in the country's maritime defence capabilities and Indo-Russian cooperation. Indian and Russian naval officers during the commissioning ceremony of Indian Navy's Russian-manufactured guided missile frigate 'INS Tamal', in Kaliningrad, Russia. (PTI) It is the last imported warship to be commissioned into service in line with the government's sharp focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make-in-India initiatives. 'INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions --- air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic,' the navy said in a statement. The frigate is expected to reach India's west coast in September and will form part of the navy's Mumbai-based Western Fleet, HT learns. Tamal is the eighth in the series of Krivak class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades, and will boost the country's maritime power in the Indian Ocean region. Also, the second ship of Project 17A stealth frigate class, Udaygiri, was delivered to the navy in Mumbai on Tuesday, the navy said. 'The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy's reach, responsiveness, and resilience. I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, towards safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security,' Singh said in his address. The 3,900-tonne Tamal is part of a $2.5-billion deal with Russia for four more Krivak/Talwar class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy, two of which have been constructed at the Yantar shipyard and the remaining two will be built at Goa Shipyard Limited. The first frigate under the deal, INS Tushil, was commissioned into the navy last December at the Yantar Shipyard and reached the country in February. Tushil and Tamal are upgraded Krivak III class frigates of Project 1135.6, and six such vessels are already in service --- three Talwar class ships, built at Baltic shipyard in St Petersburg, and three follow-on Teg class ships, built at the Yantar shipyard. The latest frigates have an indigenous content of around 26%, double that of the previous Teg-class frigates. This includes contributions from 33 firms including Bharat Electronics Limited, BrahMos Aerospace (an India-Russia joint venture), and Nova Integrated Systems (a fully owned subsidiary of Tata Advanced Systems Limited). The new frigates are armed with a range of advanced weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil surface-to-air missiles with enhanced range, upgraded medium-range anti-air and surface guns, optically controlled close-range rapid fire gun system, torpedoes and rockets. INS Tamal is manned by a crew of about 250 sailors and 26 officers. Udaygiri, which is likely to be commissioned into service in August, has been built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). It is the second among the seven P-17A frigates under construction at MDL, Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, Kolkata. The navy inducted the first P-17A class frigate, INS Nilgiri, on January 15, along with INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine and Surat, a destroyer --- all built at MDL. It is rare for three major platforms to be commissioned on the same day. The project is a follow-on of the Shivalik class (P-17) frigates active in service. P-17A ships have enhanced stealth features and are fitted with modern weapons and sensors, a significant upgrade from the P-17 class, the navy said in another statement. 'The ships represent a quantum leap in the Indian Navy's in-house design capabilities at the Warship Design Bureau. The newly designed ships are also being built employing the philosophy of 'Integrated Construction', which involves extensive pre-outfitting at the Block stages to reduce the overall build periods. Udaygiri has been delivered to the Indian Navy, in a record time of 37 months from the date of launching,' it added.
