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INS Tamal is the eighth ship of the Talwar-class stealth frigates and is part of the Western Fleet, known as ‘The Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command
INS Tamal sailed to St Petersburg in Russia before charting a long course across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea en route to India. (Image: News18)
After it was commissioned on July 1 in Russia’s Kaliningrad, followed by a remarkable voyage through multiple seas and ports, INS Tamal – India’s last imported frigate – is set to reach its home base in Karnataka’s Karwar on Wednesday.
A stealth warship, INS Tamal will receive a grand welcome upon its arrival. It sailed to Russia’s St Petersburg before charting a long course through the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea en route to India.
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On August 6, it reached Morocco, where it engaged in cooperative activities with the Royal Moroccan Navy, including a passage exercise with Mohammad VI. Its next stop was Italy’s Naples, where the crew observed India’s 79th Independence Day.
On August 19, the ship arrived at Souda Bay in Greece, hosting a series of professional and cultural exchanges to strengthen Indo-Greek relations.
Later, along with INS Surat – India’s latest indigenously built guided-missile destroyer – it visited Jeddah on August 27 and 28. There, the crew interacted with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and Border Guards through sports fixtures, naval familiarisation activities, and discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation. It also made a port call at Oman before finally setting course for its home base in Karwar.
WHAT KIND OF A FRIGATE IS IT?
INS Tamal is the eighth ship of the Talwar-class stealth frigates and is part of the Western Fleet, which is known as ‘The Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command.
It was launched on February 24, 2022, and undertook maiden sea trials in November 2024, successfully completing factory, committee, and acceptance trials before its commissioning in July 2025.
WHAT DOES IT HAVE?
INS Tamal is equipped with advanced automated systems for nuclear, biological, and chemical defence, as well as firefighting and damage control.
These systems, which can be operated centrally from protected posts, significantly enhance survivability and combat effectiveness. It is manned by a crew of at least 250 sailors and 26 officers, and is equipped with BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG sonar system.
About the Author
Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin…Read More
Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin… Read More
Karwar, India, India
September 10, 2025, 06:30 IST
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