• India’s last imported warship, Tamal, is expected to be commissioned into the Indian Navy by early June 2025.
  • The ship, a stealth frigate under construction in Russia, marks a significant milestone as it will be the final warship commissioned from outside India.
  • India has since moved to design and build its own warships.

KEY DETAILS

  • Location: The crew for Tamal arrived in Petersburg (Russia) around 10 days ago for training in preparation for the ship’s commissioning.
  • Training and Trials: After training, the crew will move to Kaliningrad to supervise a series of trials, which include State Committee Trials and delivery acceptance trials at sea and in harbor, lasting around 45 to 50 days.
  • Significance: Tamal will be the last imported warship, as India now focuses on designing and constructing its own naval ships.

BACKGROUND

  • Inter-Governmental Agreement (2016): Tamal is part of a deal for four follow-on stealth frigates signed in October 2016 between India and Russia. This agreement includes:
    • Two ships imported from Russia.
    • Two ships built in India by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) under a technology transfer
  • $1 Billion Deal: A separate $1 billion deal was signed for the imported frigates under direct purchase.

CURRENT STATUS

  • Manufacturer Trials: Tamal has successfully completed its manufacturer trials and is now undergoing State Committee Trials.
  • Weapon Testing: The ship’s weapons will be tested before it is officially commissioned.

TIMELINE & PROGRESS OF OTHER FRIGATES

  • INS Tushil: The first ship, INS Tushil, which was manufactured in Russia, was commissioned on December 9, 2024. It arrived at its home port in Karwar on February 14, 2025 after a journey of over 12,500 nautical miles, visiting eight countries.
  • Two Frigates in India:
    • In 2018, GSL signed a $500 million deal with Rosoboronexport of Russia to manufacture the next two frigates in India.
    • The first frigate was launched into water in 2024, and the second is set to be launched soon.
    • The first of these Indian-built frigates is expected to be delivered in 2026, with the second one expected to follow in 2027.

INDIA'S NAVAL PROGRESS

  • India's Directorate of Naval Design has been operational since 1970.
  • The country is now capable of building over 60 warships at Indian shipyards, marking its transition into a self-reliant naval power.

Conclusion:

Tamal, India’s last imported warship, is set to be commissioned in June 2025, marking the end of an era for imported naval vessels. With India now focused on constructing its own warships, this event underscores the country's growing capabilities in naval design and manufacturing. The ongoing construction of the next set of warships at Goa Shipyard Ltd. further solidifies India’s transition to becoming a builder's navy.