Pakistan, which harbors dreams of war with India, has received another major setback. Amidst speculation of war, Russia has decided to deliver the multi-role stealth guided missile frigate ‘Tamalki’ to India ahead of schedule.
INS Tamal: India's naval strength is about to be bolstered by another formidable weapon – INS Tamal. This multi-role stealth guided missile frigate will join the Indian Navy's fleet on May 28, 2025. Initially slated for delivery in 2026, this warship, built in Russia, is being delivered earlier in response to India's growing maritime needs. The deployment of INS Tamal will significantly enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities, undoubtedly unsettling neighboring countries like Pakistan.
INS Tamal: A Modern Warship Equipped with BrahMos
INS Tamal, a stealth frigate built at Russia's Yantar Shipyard, is specifically designed to meet the Indian Navy's requirements. This warship is part of the 'Talwar class' and its greatest strength is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This missile is considered one of the fastest and most lethal anti-ship missiles in the world. INS Tamal can swiftly incapacitate enemy vessels.
INS Tamal: Technical Specifications
- Speed and Range: INS Tamal can reach a maximum speed of 30 nautical miles (approximately 55 km/h) and cover a distance of 3000 kilometers in one go.
- Weight and Capacity: It weighs approximately 3900 tons and is capable of deploying a helicopter.
- Weapon Systems: In addition to the BrahMos missile, it is equipped with anti-submarine rockets, torpedoes, and advanced radar systems that aid in defense against submarines and air attacks.
- Stealth Technology: Tamal is equipped with stealth technology, making it difficult to detect on radar – giving it an advantage in attacking the enemy.
Result of Russia-India Defense Partnership
INS Tamal is a significant outcome of the India-Russia defense cooperation. Under an agreement between the two countries in 2016, it was decided to build four 'Talwar class' stealth frigates – two in Russia and two in India. INS Trishul has already joined the Indian Navy, and now INS Tamal is ready to showcase its strength.
The inclusion of a powerful warship like INS Tamal in the Indian Navy will further strengthen India's naval power. Pakistan does not possess technology or warships of this caliber.
Indian Navy
- 14 Frigates (after Tamal)
- 10 Destroyers (large capacity warships)
- 10 Corvettes
- 17 Conventional Submarines and 2 Nuclear Submarines
- 6 Missile Boats
- 2 Aircraft Carriers (INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant)
Pakistan Navy
- Approximately 8 Frigates
- 6-7 Conventional Submarines
- No Destroyers
- No Aircraft Carriers
Why INS Tamal is Special?
INS Tamal is not just a warship; it symbolizes India's strides towards self-reliance. It will be the last warship imported by India. Thereafter, the Indian Navy will build all its warships domestically. Under 'Make in India', India is now producing indigenous warships, submarines, and missile systems for its navy.
Recently, India and Pakistan have experienced heightened tensions. Especially after the Pulwama terrorist attack, Pakistan faced international pressure. In this context, the deployment of INS Tamal will exert psychological pressure on the Pakistan Navy. The message is clear – India is fully prepared on all fronts.
