The strength of the Indian Navy is going to increase further today. On Tuesday, July 1, stealth multi-role frigate INS 'Tamal' is going to join the fleet of the Indian Navy. It will become a part of the Navy in the coastal city of Kaliningrad, Russia. This warship will be deployed in the 'Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy i.e. the Western Fleet.
The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Adm Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of many high-ranking Indian and Russian government and defence officials.
Christened “Tamal”, it is the eighth in the series of Krivak class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades. By the conclusion of this series of ships, Indian Navy will be operating ten ships with similar capabilities and commonality in equipment, weapon and sensor fit over four different classes.
Tamal's construction was closely overseen by an Indian team of specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team stationed at Kaliningrad, under the aegis of the Embassy of India, Moscow.
Last warship to be inducted from a foreign source
Tamal has been built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, and is the last warship to be inducted from a foreign source, in line with the Government of India’s impetus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Ship has 26% indigenous components
The ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile for targeting both at sea and land.
How lethal is INS Tamal?
The ship has significant upgrades in its arsenal in comparison to its predecessors, such as vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, improved 100 MM gun, new age EO/IR system in addition to the standard 30 MM CIWS, heavyweight torpedoes, urgent-attack anti-submarine rockets, and a host of surveillance and fire control radars and systems.
Force multipliers include Air Early Warning and Multi Role helicopters, which can operate from the deck of Tamal. The combat capability of the ship is augmented by a host of Network Centric Warfare capabilities and advanced Electronic Warfare suite. Tamal punches well above its weight with a very high tonnage to firepower ratio, extended endurance, and a top speed in excess of 30 knots.
The crew, comprising of over 250 personnel have undergone rigorous ashore as well as afloat training in extremely challenging winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, Russia. Tamal has successively completed extensive sea trials undertaken over three months, proving its systems, weapons and sensors.
Why was the name INS Tamal given?
The ship’s name, Tamal, symbolises the mythical sword used for combat by Indra - the King of the gods. The ship’s mascot is inspired by the congruence of the ‘Jambavant’ (जाम्बवन्त) the Immortal Bear King of Indian Mythology and the Russian National Animal - the Eurasian Brown Bear. The ship’s crew collectively takes great pride in calling themselves the ‘The Great Bears’.
Tamal stands as a testament to the longstanding Indo-Russian cooperation and friendship which has stood the test of time. The ship’s motto, ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everytime) signifies the Indian Navy’s undying commitment to operational excellence in every mission, complementing its motto ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere’.