Kajal Jatav: On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Indian Navy welcomed its final foreign warship, the ‘INS Tamal,’ from Russia. At the same time, the second stealth frigate of Project 17A, named Udaygiri, was officially handed over by Mazagon Dockyard in Mumbai.
The commissioning of the stealth frigate ‘INS Tamal,’ which was constructed in Russia, was successfully completed in Kaliningrad. Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, was also in attendance at the Russian shipyard during this significant event.
What Makes It a Lethal Asset for India?
Described by the Navy as a “This is a watershed moment for the Indian Navy, as Udaygiri is the 100th ship, designed and delivered by the Warship Design Bureau. The warship is built with over 75% indigenous content and is equipped with State-of-the-Art weapons and sensors. Udaygiri will boost the Indian Navy’s combat readiness and capability to safeguard our maritime interest in the Indian Ocean Region.”
INS Tamal: The Speedy Sentinel of the Coast
INS Tamal is the newest Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC) crafted by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. This nimble warship is specifically designed for high-speed coastal operations, making it perfect for tasks like surveillance, interception, and quick-strike missions in shallow waters.
- Top speed: Over 35 knots (65 km/h), allowing rapid deployment and pursuit.
- Armament: Equipped with a 30mm CRN-91 gun and advanced fire control systems.
- Role: Perfect for patrolling India’s long 7,500 km coastline, deterring piracy, smuggling, and infiltration threats. The INS Tamal’s knack for navigating near the shore makes it an essential resource for rapid responses in high-risk areas, serving as a formidable defender of our coastlines.
INS Udaygiri: The New Backbone of India’s Naval Might
INS Udaygiri is a cutting-edge guided-missile stealth frigate that’s part of Project 17A, which aims to create modern, homegrown warships packed with the latest technologies. Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, this vessel showcases India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, in the realm of defense manufacturing.
- Displacement: Over 6,600 tonnes.
- Features: Stealth design to reduce radar signature, advanced sensors, and weapons systems.
- Armament: Capable of launching surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and features a 76 mm main gun.
- Role: Multi-mission platform capable of air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare.
INS Udaygiri will enhance the Navy’s ability to project power in deep seas and safeguard India’s maritime interests across the Indo-Pacific.
Twin Boost to Naval Power
The commissioning of both ships really showcases India’s growing focus on maritime security. INS Tamal boosts our coastal and near-shore defense, while INS Udaygiri brings in blue-water capabilities for long-range strategic missions. Together, these vessels represent the Indian Navy’s two-pronged approach — ensuring swift responses at home while also maintaining a robust presence abroad.
With the introduction of INS Tamal and INS Udaygiri, India’s naval strength has not only increased but also become more advanced. As India emerges as a key maritime player in the region, these two ships are poised to take command of the waters, protecting the nation’s interests with remarkable speed, precision, and power.