The Indian Navy has strengthened its air defence by adding a new warship, INS Tamal, built in Russia.
This frigate is equipped with the advanced Shtil-1 missile system, which can shoot down enemy aircraft, missiles, and even fast boats, offering 360-degree protection in battle.
INS Tamal Commissioned with Advanced Shtil-1 Missile System to Boost Indian Navy’s Air Defence
The Indian Navy has taken a big step in strengthening its air defence by adding a powerful new warship - INS Tamal, a Russian-made frigate.
What makes this ship special is its advanced Shtil-1 surface-to-air missile system, designed to shoot down enemy aircraft, missiles, and even fast-moving boats.
The Shtil-1 is an upgraded naval version of Russia’s well-known Buk-M2 missile system. It’s been specially designed for vertical launching, meaning it can fire missiles in any direction quickly, giving 360-degree protection.
Key features of the system include:
Can track and destroy up to 12 targets at the same time
Covers all directions around the ship
Uses powerful radars to detect and follow incoming threats like jets, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and small fast boats
Works even when enemies try to jam signals or use tricks to avoid being hit
At the core of the Shtil-1 system is the 9M317ME missile, which is faster, lighter, and smarter than the earlier 9M317E version.
What’s Better in the 9M317ME?
Why This Missile is a Game Changer
Super fast: This missile can reach speeds of up to 1,550 m/s, much faster than its older version.
Highly agile: It can handle sharp turns (up to 24g), allowing it to chase even the most elusive targets.
Hits from far and high: It can shoot down targets from as low as 5 meters (sea-skimming missiles) to as high as 25,000 meters.
Smart tracking: New targeting systems help it stay locked on even in tough electronic warfare conditions.
By bringing in INS Tamal with the Shtil-1 missile system, the Navy adds a powerful layer to its overall air defence strategy.
This ship can:
Protect itself and other ships around it by shooting down incoming threats
Handle attacks from multiple directions and from multiple targets at once
Work effectively even when the enemy uses radar jamming or high-speed evasive tactics
Save missiles by identifying and prioritising high-value targets, and using close-range guns for smaller threats
With INS Tamal now fully operational, the Indian Navy has taken a big leap in modern naval warfare.
Its Shtil-1 air defence system, combined with smart radars and fast missiles like the 9M317ME, ensures that the Navy is better equipped to handle advanced air threats in today’s challenging combat environments.
This ship doesn’t just defend itself, it protects the fleet around it, making it a vital part of India’s maritime defence.
Super fast: This missile can reach speeds of up to 1,550 m/s, much faster than its older version.
Highly agile: It can handle sharp turns (up to 24g), allowing it to chase even the most elusive targets.
Hits from far and high: It can shoot down targets from as low as 5 meters (sea-skimming missiles) to as high as 25,000 meters.
Smart tracking: New targeting systems help it stay locked on even in tough electronic warfare conditions.
Protect itself and other ships around it by shooting down incoming threats
Handle attacks from multiple directions and from multiple targets at once
Work effectively even when the enemy uses radar jamming or high-speed evasive tactics
Save missiles by identifying and prioritising high-value targets, and using close-range guns for smaller threats
