In a landmark development for the Indian Navy, the commissioning of its final foreign-built warship is set to take place in Russia on July 1. This event marks a significant transition as the Indian Navy pivots towards indigenous shipbuilding for its future vessels.
The warship, named Tamal, is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted from Russia, continuing a collaboration that has spanned two decades. It is noteworthy that two more frigates of this class are currently under construction in India, benefiting from technology transfer and design support from Moscow. The first six vessels of this series were designated as Talwar-class frigates, while Tamal is the second of the Tushil-class, with its predecessor commissioned in December.
Constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Tamal distinguishes itself with 26 percent of its components sourced from India. Among its advanced features is the incorporation of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, designed to engage both land and maritime targets effectively. Other indigenous systems on board include a sophisticated surface surveillance radar and the HUMSA NG Mk II sonar integrated with an anti-submarine weapon firing complex developed by Bharat Electronics Limited.
This multi-role warship is engineered to perform across the full spectrum of naval warfare, which encompasses air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. Beyond the BrahMos missile, Tamal is equipped with an arsenal that includes the Shtil vertical launched surface-to-air missile system, an improved A190-01 100mm naval gun, and the advanced Sandal V electro-optical/infrared system. Additional armaments comprise a 30mm close-in weapon system, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and an array of surveillance and fire control radars.
Moreover, Tamal, which measures 125 meters (410 feet) in length and has a displacement of 3,900 tons, boasts a top speed of 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour) alongside a crew comprising over 250 personnel. The two Tushil-class frigates have been acquired at a cost of approximately 80 billion Indian Rupees (around $930 million), while the two additional ships being constructed locally are estimated to represent an investment of 130 billion Indian Rupees (about $1.4 billion).
Looking to the future, the Indian Navy has set ambitious goals, aiming to expand its fleet from the current 140 warships and submarines to 180 by 2030. This expansion is strategically aligned to counter the growing naval capabilities of both the Chinese and Pakistani maritime forces.
