Kaliningrad: Russian shipbuilders in Kaliningrad formally handed over the stealth frigate Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tamal to the Indian Navy, marking the final foreign-built warship in New Delhi's acquisition plan. The handover signifies a significant milestone in India's naval expansion strategy.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Tamal, meaning 'Sword' in Sanskrit, represents the culmination of a series of eight vessels constructed for India by Russia. This frigate has already been commissioned for sea trials, as stated in an official announcement from New Delhi.

The vessel is set to embark on its maiden voyage to its homeport of Karwar, located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. "Tamal will touch various ports en route and showcase her combat prowess. It would reach India in combat-ready condition, set to dominate the maritime space," the statement highlighted.

United Shipbuilding Corporation CEO Andrey Puchkov emphasized the warship's capabilities, describing it as a "modern and multifunctional ship with high combat capabilities against surface, underwater, land, and aerial threats." He also mentioned that Russian specialists would continue to support the construction of two additional frigates at Indian shipyards.

The Tamal is outfitted with the Shtil-1 vertical launch missile system developed by Almaz-Antey, featuring enhanced air defense and radar systems capable of detecting low-flying anti-ship missiles. Its armament includes 100 mm and 30 mm artillery systems, as well as electronic warfare equipment designed to counter drones and unmanned boats.

Additionally, the frigate includes a reinforced helipad for the Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter and boasts an operational range of 4,850 miles, with an endurance of 30 days at sea. The Indian government noted that the INS Tamal is the 'last warship to be inducted from a foreign source.'