Russia hands over new stealth frigate to Indian Navy

The Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class vessel to be delivered to the South Asian country in the past two decades

Russia has delivered a new Krivak-class stealth frigate to the Indian Navy, as the countries continue to deepen their defense ties. The Indian Navy commissioned the multi-role frigate, named Tamal, in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad on Tuesday.

The Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be delivered to India over the past two decades, and its name symbolizes a sword used by Hindu gods in combat. The construction of the vessel took place at the Yantar shipyard and was monitored by Indian specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team that was stationed in Kaliningrad, according to New Delhi’s Defense Ministry. The frigate has 26% Indian components.

“Major Indian OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) involved in the frigate were BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd, BEL, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, Elcome Marine, Johnson Controls India and many more,” the Indian Navy said in a statement. The Tamal’s features include vertically launched missiles, an improved 100mm gun, and electronic warfare capabilities. With a crew of over 250 personnel, it has completed sea trials and training in challenging Russian conditions, including a top speed over 30 knots, according to defense officials.

The frigate is also equipped with the BrahMos supersonic missile system, a Surface Surveillance Radar complex, and HUMSA NG Mk II sonar. New Delhi and Moscow have long-standing defense ties. Last week, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said in a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, that the two countries’ friendship extends into the military-technical sector.

In December 2024, India received a Russian-built Project 11356 stealth frigate, INS Tushil. The 3,900-tonne ship, with a length of 125 meters, is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including supersonic cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles with enhanced ranges. India is also building two similar frigates, which are part of the Triput class, at Goa shipyard with transfer of technology and design assistance from Russia.