India’s New Stealth Frigate INS Tamal to Join Navy by June 2025, Boosting Maritime Power
New Delhi: India’s naval capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the commissioning of INS Tamal, a state-of-the-art stealth missile frigate, by the end of June 2025. Built at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, the frigate will soon sail to India’s western coast, joining the Mumbai-based Western Fleet and strengthening India’s maritime presence in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean region.
INS Tamal is the second of four advanced Talwar-class stealth frigates India is acquiring from Russia under a $2.5 billion contract signed in 2016. The deal includes two ships constructed at the Yantar Shipyard and two more to be built domestically at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), with technology transfer from Russia.
Background: India-Russia Naval Collaboration and Project 11356
The Talwar-class frigates, known in Russia as Project 11356, represent a significant leap in India’s naval modernization program. These stealth frigates are designed for multi-role operations including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and air defence.
India already operates six such vessels, including three Talwar-class ships built at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg, and three follow-on Teg-class ships built at the Yantar Shipyard. INS Tamal and its sister ship INS Tushil, commissioned in December 2024, belong to an upgraded series featuring enhanced indigenous content and advanced weaponry.
Technical Specifications and Weapon Systems
INS Tamal displaces around 3,900 tonnes and incorporates a semi-stealth design to reduce radar visibility. The frigate is equipped with an array of modern weapons and sensors, making it a formidable asset for the Indian Navy. Key features include:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles: These provide long-range precision strike capability against sea and land targets.
- Shtil surface-to-air missiles: Offering enhanced air defence with extended range and targeting precision.
- Upgraded medium-range anti-air guns and surface guns: For defence against aerial and surface threats.
- Optically controlled close-range rapid fire gun system: Effective against fast-moving targets.
- Advanced torpedoes and rocket launchers: For anti-submarine warfare.
- Electronic warfare suites and radar systems: To improve detection, tracking, and survivability in combat situations.
The ship also has about 26% indigenous components, produced by Indian firms like Bharat Electronics Limited, BrahMos Aerospace (a joint India-Russia venture), and Tata Advanced Systems’ Nova Integrated Systems.
Strategic Importance for India’s Maritime Security
India’s strategic location, with a vast coastline and the critical Indian Ocean trade routes, necessitates a strong naval presence. INS Tamal’s commissioning will bolster India’s ability to monitor and secure these vital maritime spaces.
The frigate will be integrated into the Western Fleet based in Mumbai, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s western seaboard, including major ports and energy supply lines.
Officials note that the addition of INS Tamal complements India’s broader naval expansion and modernization plans aimed at ensuring maritime dominance and rapid response capability in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening India-Russia Defence Ties
The commissioning of INS Tamal also highlights the enduring defence partnership between India and Russia. Despite India’s growing indigenous naval shipbuilding efforts, Russia remains a key supplier of advanced platforms and technology.
The $2.5 billion contract for these four frigates is part of India’s strategy to upgrade its naval fleet rapidly while facilitating technology transfer to bolster domestic shipbuilding capacities.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, during the commissioning of the first ship INS Tushil in December 2024, described these frigates as a “proud testament” to India’s growing maritime might and the strength of Indo-Russian cooperation.
Timeline and Future Prospects
- June 2025: INS Tamal to be commissioned at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad.
- September 2025: Expected arrival on India’s west coast and induction into the Western Fleet.
- Ongoing: Remaining two frigates to be built at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian collaboration and technology transfer.
The integration of INS Tamal is expected to increase the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and multi-domain capabilities, enhancing the country’s deterrence and security posture.
Expert Opinions
Naval analysts emphasize that the Talwar-class frigates represent a balanced mix of stealth, firepower, and versatility, allowing India to respond effectively to emerging maritime threats.
An anonymous official involved with the project said, “INS Tamal will enhance our ability to project power and protect our maritime interests. Its induction into the Western Fleet significantly strengthens the fleet’s capability in surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and air defence.”
As India faces increasing challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the commissioning of INS Tamal marks a milestone in naval modernization and strategic capability enhancement. This stealth missile frigate, armed with cutting-edge technology and advanced weapon systems, reflects India’s resolve to maintain a robust maritime presence and safeguard national security interests.
With the continued cooperation between India and Russia and a focus on indigenous development, India’s naval strength is set to rise in the coming years, positioning the country as a major maritime power in the region.
Sources:
- Hindustan Times
- Outlook India
- India TV News
- Official Indian Navy releases