Syllabus:
GS3: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
Context:
Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
More on the News
- INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships.
- The lead ship, INS Tushil, was commissioned on 9 December 2024.
- All seven ships inducted thus far under Project 1135.6 are part of the Western Fleet – ‘The Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command.
- The commissioning of Tamal as symbolic of the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
- Tamal is the 51st vessel built under this collaborative initiative over the last 65 years.
- Though being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system.
- INS Tamal is a stealth multi-role frigate from the Krivak-class series acquired from Russia over the past two decades.
- It is part of a $2.5-billion deal with Russia for four more Krivak/Talwar class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy, two of which have been constructed at the Yantar shipyard and the remaining two will be built at Goa Shipyard Limited.
Key Features of the INS Tamal
- INS Tamal is a powerful and versatile warship, often described as a moving fortress at sea, built to operate effectively in high-intensity naval warfare with an indigenous content of around 26%, double that of the previous Teg-class frigates.
- It is specifically engineered for blue-water missions, with capabilities across all four warfare dimensions—air, surface, sub-surface, and electromagnetic—making it a key asset for long-range maritime dominance.
- It features major weapon upgrades over its predecessors, including vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, an enhanced 100 mm gun, and advanced EO/IR systems.
- It is equipped with cutting-edge anti-submarine and defense systems, such as heavyweight torpedoes, rapid-attack rockets, CIWS, and modern surveillance and fire-control radars.
- Force multipliers like AEW and multi-role helicopters operate from INS Tamal’s deck, while its combat power is boosted by network-centric systems and an advanced electronic warfare suite.
- INS Tamal’s mascot blends Jambavant from Indian mythology with the Eurasian Brown Bear, symbolizing Indo-Russian collaboration in the ship’s construction.
- The crew proudly call themselves “The Great Bears”, reflecting the strength and unity behind the vessel’s identity.