India to commission second Russian-built stealth frigate

India is set to receive its second advanced stealth frigate from Russia within the next month, which will join its sister vessel INS Tushil, commissioned in December 2024.

The warship, to be commissioned as INS Tamal, a 3,900-tonne multi-role frigate equipped with weapons and sensors, is undergoing final trials in Kaliningrad, Russia. It is expected to be handed over to the Indian Navy shortly, following the successful testing of its weapons systems. Once commissioned, it will make its maiden voyage to India, Caliber.Az reports via Indian media. 

The development comes as India intensifies its maritime presence in the region amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. On May 5, the Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested indigenously developed underwater "multi-influence ground mines," designed to destroy enemy submarines and stealth vessels. 

"The system will further enhance undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy," Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

These new frigates are part of a 2016 agreement between India and Russia for four upgraded Krivak-III class warships.

The first two to be imported for around $958 million. The remaining two — Triput and Tavasya — are under construction at Goa Shipyard under a $1.56 billion technology transfer arrangement.

The first frigate, the 125-metre-long INS Tushil, the first of the four, arrived at its home port in Karwar on February 14. These new frigates will join the Navy’s existing fleet of six Russian-made warships — three Talwar-class and three Teg-class — inducted between 2003 and 2004.

Designed for multi-dimensional blue water operations, the new frigates are armed with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (now upgraded to a 450-km range), Shtil surface-to-air missiles, and advanced anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets. Capable of speeds over 30 knots, the ships can also deploy Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and airborne surveillance.

By Sabina Mammadli