INS Tamal Completes Naples Visit Strengthening India-Italy Ties
Why in the News ?
The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tamal concluded a port call at Naples, Italy, highlighting strong bilateral defence cooperation. The visit included professional exchanges, PASSEX with ITS Trieste, and cultural engagements under the India-Italy Strategic Partnership (2023) and Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
Key Highlights of the Visit
● INS Tamal engaged in bilateral discussions with Italian military and local officials.
● Commanding Officer met Vice Admiral Pierpaolo Budri and Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto.
● Discussions revolved around initiatives under the India-Italy Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029).
● Conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Italian Navy’s ITS Trieste.
● Hosted a cultural program onboard with officials, diplomats, UN agencies, and defence industry leaders.
Understanding India-Italy Defence Ties:
● Strategic Partnership (2023): Relations elevated during PM Meloni’s visit to India.
● Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029): Focuses on defence, maritime security, renewable energy, and innovation.
● Defence Cooperation: Includes joint naval exercises, industrial collaboration, and technology sharing.
● Geostrategic Importance: Italy’s location in the Mediterranean Sea complements India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
● PASSEX Exercises: Strengthen interoperability and naval coordination between partner countries.
Commissioning of INS Tamal – Key Facts● Commissioned: July 1, 2025, at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad (Russia). ● Significance: Last foreign-built major warship inducted under Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India. ● Project & Class: ○ Part of Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) frigates. ○ Second follow-on of the Tushil-class frigates. ● Indigenous Component: 26% Indian systems, incl. BrahMos missile & HUMSA-NG sonar. ● Capabilities: ○ Blue-water operations with multi-dimensional warfare (air, surface, sub-surface, electronic). ● Armament: ○ BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (dual-role). ○ Vertical-launch SAMs, 100 mm main gun, 30 mm CIWS. ○ Anti-submarine rocket launchers & heavyweight torpedoes. ● Features: Automated NBC defence, damage control, and firefighting systems. |
