New Delhi, June 22 (UNI) The Indian Navy is all set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, “Tamal”, at Kaliningrad in Russia on July one.
Tamal is the eighth in the series of Krivak class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades. It is the second ship of the Tushil Class, which are the upgraded versions of their predecessors, Talwar and Teg classes having three ships each, an official statement said here on Sunday.
The ship has 26 percent indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile for targeting both at sea and land. The ship has significant upgrades in its arsenal in comparison to its predecessors, such as vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, improved 100 MM gun, new age EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) system in addition to the standard 30 MM CIWS (close-in weapon system), heavyweight torpedoes, urgent-attack anti-submarine rockets, and a host of surveillance and fire control radars and systems.
India as part of the broader contract for Tushil class is also building two similar frigates, called the Triput class, at Goa Shipyard Limited with transfer of technology and design assistance from the Russian side. By the conclusion of this series of ships, Indian Navy will be operating 10 ships with similar capabilities and commonality in equipment, weapon and sensor fit over four different classes.
Tamal has been built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, and is the last warship to be inducted from a foreign source, in line with the Government of India’s impetus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
The crew, comprising of over 250 personnel, have undergone rigorous ashore as well as afloat training in extremely challenging winter conditions of St Petersburg and Kaliningrad, Russia.
Tamal has successively completed extensive sea trials undertaken over three months, proving its systems, weapons and sensors.
The ship’s name, Tamal, symbolises the mythical sword used for combat by Indra - the King of the gods. The ship’s mascot is inspired by the congruence of the ‘Jambavant’ the immortal bear king of Indian mythology and the Russian national animal - the Eurasian Brown Bear.
The ship’s crew collectively takes great pride in calling themselves the ‘The Great Bears’. Tamal stands as a testament to the longstanding Indo-Russian cooperation and friendship which has stood the test of time.
The ship’s motto, ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everytime) signifies the Indian Navy’s undying commitment to operational excellence in every mission, complementing its motto ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere’.
The 125 metre long, 3900-ton warship, packs a lethal punch. Tamal is an impressive blend of Indian and Russian cutting-edge technologies and best practices in warship construction.
Upon commissioning, Tamal will join the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy, the Western Fleet, under the Western Naval Command. It will not only be a symbol of Indian Navy’s growing capabilities but also exemplifying collaborative strength of the India-Russia partnership.
UNI RBE SS