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News Topical, Digital Desk : Today is a historic day for the Indian Navy as a powerful stealth guided missile frigate INS Tamala is being commissioned in a grand ceremony in Kaliningrad, Russia. Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command VADM Sanjay J. Singh will be the chief guest at this commissioning ceremony. Many top defense officials of India and Russia will also be present on this occasion.
The name of this warship is 'Tamal'. Tamal is a symbol of the sword of Devraj Indra in mythology. This ship is not only a symbol of friendship between India and Russia, but will also set a new record in protecting the maritime borders.
The 125-metre-long and 3,900-tonne frigate will be deployed in the Arabian Sea and the Western Indian Ocean under the Western Naval Command. The area extends from the waters near Karachi to the western coast of India. Tamal has more than 26 per cent indigenous systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. It can strike both land and sea targets.
Tamal armed with powerful weapons
Tamal has the 'Shtil' vertical launch air defence system, which includes vertical launch short-range air-to-air missiles (VLSRAAM) and medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM). These systems can target cruise missiles, helicopters, ballistic threats, and maritime and coastal targets.
In addition, the 'A-190-01' 100 mm naval cannon and AK-630 30 mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) are capable of protecting it from drones and anti-ship missiles. The CIWS can fire up to 5,000 rounds per minute.
- The warship is capable of operating aerial surveillance and multi-role helicopters such as the Kamov-28 (anti-submarine warfare) and Kamov-31 (aerial surveillance).
According to naval sources, Tamal has network-centric warfare features and advanced electronic warfare systems, making it effective in all situations.
Besides high speed and long range, what else is there?
Tamal has a speed of more than 30 knots and is equipped with long-range cruise missiles that can hit targets at a distance of up to 450 kilometers. Its next-generation electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system helps in tracking the target day and night. It has heavyweight torpedoes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers for anti-submarine warfare. Along with this, the indigenous HUMSA NG MK-II hull mounted sonar system developed by DRDO and BEL makes it more lethal.
- Tamal has over 33 indigenous systems, including from major Indian brands such as BrahMos Aerospace, BEL, Keltron, Tata's Nova Integrated Systems and Johnson Controls India.
- The ship is equipped with surveillance, fire-control radar and combat management systems, making it capable of all types of operations.
Tamal has become a symbol of friendship between India and Russia
Tamal is built at Russia's Yantar shipyard and is the last foreign-built warship of the Indian Navy. In 2016, a Rs 21,000 crore deal was signed between India and Russia for the construction of four stealth frigates.
- Tamal and Tushil were built in Russia at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore, while the remaining two ships (Triput class) are being built at Goa Shipyard at a cost of Rs 13,000 crore.
- Once these four are commissioned, the Indian Navy will have ten frigates of four different but similar classes.
Tamal's more than 250 crew members underwent rigorous training in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, which included cold weather trials, sea combat simulations and live weapon firing. Its weapons, sensors and systems were thoroughly tested during the three-month sea trials.
Jambavan is the mascot of Tamal
The name Tamal is inspired by the war sword of Devraja Indra. Its mascot is derived from the bear king 'Jambavan' from Indian mythology and the Russian Eurasian brown bear. The crew takes pride in calling itself 'The Great Bears'.
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