Context:
The commissioning of INS Tamal in June 2025 will mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards naval self-reliance.
INS Tamal: Key Facts
- State-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate to minimize radar detection.
- Krivak-III Class Upgrade: Enhanced version of Russian-designed Krivak-class frigates.
- India-Russia Defense Collaboration: Part of a $2.5 billion agreement for four stealth frigates.
- Last Imported Warship: After INS Tamal, all future Indian warships will be designed and built domestically.
- Precedent: INS Tushil (1st of this class) – commissioned in December 2024.
- Built at Yantar Shipyard: Constructed in Russia, following previous Krivak-class models.
Key Features
- Multi-Domain Combat Capability: Designed for blue water operations across air, surface, underwater, and electronic warfare.
- Crew Training: Indian Navy personnel trained by Russian specialists for seamless operations.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare: Equipped with 2 Indigenous Triple Torpedo Launchers (ITTL).
- Missile Systems: Features BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Shtil surface-to-air missiles for offensive and defensive operations.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
[UPSC CSE – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Answer: (c)