Context: Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Tamal; Project 1135.6.
Krivak-class Frigates
- Krivak-class frigates are a series of multi-role warships originally designed by Russia. India operates its variant called the Talwar-class frigates, customised for the Indian Navy.
- The ship is eighth in the series of Project 1135.6 (Talwar class) and the second of the follow-on Tushil-class frigates. All seven previous ships of the class are part of the Navy’s Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command.
- In 2016, under Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) Follow-on Frigates, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement to procure four additional Krivak-class frigates.
- Two were to be imported from Russia, while two were to be built in India at GSL, Goa under technology transfer.
- Built in Russia: INS Tushil (commissioned 2024), INS Tamal (commissioned in 2025).
- Built in India: INS Triput (launched 2024), INS Tavasya (launched 2025).
About INS Tamal:
- INS Tamal is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate.
- Specification: 125-metre-long, 3900-tonne ship.
- Achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (55 km/h).
- Operational capabilities: Designed for blue water operations with multi-dimensional attack capabilities in all four dimensions- air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic.
- Armament and Technology: It is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including:
- Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles (jointly developed by India-Russia)
- Vertically-launched Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles with enhanced ranges
- Medium-range anti-air and surface gun with advanced stealth features
- Optically-controlled close-range rapid fire gun system
- Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets
- Advanced electronic warfare and communication suite
- It is also capable of embarking upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31.
- Speed: Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion plant with state-of-the-art controls, it is capable of achieving speeds in exceeding 30 knots.
Strategic Importance:
- Strengthening India’s Naval Power: These stealth frigates enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Push for Self-Reliance: Technology transfer from Russia helps develop India's shipbuilding industry.
- India-Russia Defence Ties: Despite geopolitical shifts (Russia-Ukraine war, US sanctions on Russia), India continues its strong defence cooperation with Russia.
- Strategic Importance: The frigates are crucial for India’s maritime security, countering China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific and reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning of Tamal marked a key milestone in India’s maritime defence capability and bilateral ties with Russia.