An Indian warship, INS Tamal, has been spotted in the Gulf of Bothnia near Umeå, closely monitored by Swedish and Finnish navies. The presence of such a vessel in Swedish waters is unusual, though it is not suspected of any illegal activity.
Indian Warship Monitored by Swedish Defense Near Umeå
Indian Warship Monitored by Swedish Defense Near Umeå
The Indian warship that appeared in the Gulf of Bothnia on Friday is moving northward. It is now positioned near Umeå. The ship is being closely monitored by both the Swedish and Finnish navies.
– We are following it closely on site, says Marie Tisäter from the Swedish Armed Forces' communications department to TT.
INS Tamal, the Indian naval vessel sighted in the Gulf of Bothnia on Friday, has reportedly moved northward, according to Ilta-Sanomat.
By Saturday, it had entered the Swedish economic zone, near Umeå.
– We are following it closely on site, says Marie Tisäter from the Swedish Armed Forces' communications department to TT.
"Not a Common Visitor in Our Waters"
The presence of an Indian warship in the area is rare.
– It is not a common visitor in our waters, says Marie Tisäter.
The purpose of its presence off the coast of Sweden is unclear, but it is not suspected of violating any territory or breaking any laws, according to Marie Tisäter.
– We have no suspicion of any illegal activity.
Armed with Air Defense Missiles and Torpedoes
INS Tamal is an Indian ship built in Russian Kaliningrad and was handed over to the Indian Navy on July 1.
The ship has a crew of 250 people. It is also equipped with air defense missiles, a 100-millimeter cannon, torpedoes, and anti-submarine missiles, as well as surveillance and radar systems.
India and Russia have a long history of defense cooperation, dating back to the Cold War. In addition to India purchasing warships from Russia, the countries have also conducted joint military exercises, writes Ilta-Sanomat.