Description

Source: INDIATV

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Induction of INS Tamal amid rising India-Pakistan tensions post the Pahalgam terror attack (2025).

Marks a critical step in India's naval modernization and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Part of the $2.5 billion India-Russia deal for four stealth frigates.

Overview of INS Tamal

Stealth guided missile frigate.

Class: Upgraded Krivak-III class (Project 11356).

Constructed in Russia.

Second vessel of its class after INS Tushil (commissioned December 2024).

Final imported warship; all future frigates to be domestically produced under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

Strategic and Indigenous Dimensions

Part of a shift toward indigenous defense production.

Remaining two frigates — INS Triput and INS Tavasya — under construction at Goa Shipyard Ltd.

Built via technology transfer, costing ~₹13,000 crore.

Approx. 26% Indian components showcasing growing domestic capability.

Features and Capabilities

Parameter	Specification & Description
Length & Displacement	125 meters long; displaces ~3,900 tonnes
Speed & Range	Top speed: 30 knots (~55 km/h); Range: ~3,000 km per deployment
Combat Roles	Multi-dimensional warfare: air, surface, undersea, and electronic warfare
Missile Systems	BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil vertical-launched surface-to-air missiles
Undersea Warfare	Equipped with torpedoes, rocket launchers, and sonar systems
Aviation Capability	Can operate a multi-role naval helicopter, extending surveillance and strike reach
Stealth Technology	Radar-evading design for reduced detectability

Strategic Relevance

Enhances blue water capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Supports India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.

Boosts deterrence posture amid threats from China in the Indo-Pacific and Pakistan along the western seaboard.

Key for protecting Sea Lines of Communication and maritime trade routes.

Sources:

INDIATV

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements about INS Tamal is/are correct?

It is capable of carrying BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
It is entirely indigenously designed and built in India.
It supports multi-role helicopter operations.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct

INS Tamal is equipped with the BrahMos missile system one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world.

Statement 2 is incorrect

INS Tamal is part of a $2.5 billion deal with Russia under which two frigates were built in Russia including INS Tamal and two are being built in India.

INS Tamal was built in Russia not entirely indigenous. However, around 26% of its components are sourced from Indian manufacturers — an important step toward self-reliance but not full indigenization.

Statement 3 is correct

INS Tamal includes a helideck and hangar facility enabling it to operate multi-role naval helicopters.

This adds versatility for roles such as:

Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)

Search and rescue

Reconnaissance

Logistics support