In a boost to India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned its latest stealth frigate, INS Tamal (F 71), at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning ceremony was held in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, along with senior Indian and Russian naval and government officials.
INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate under Project 1135.6 and the second vessel in the follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first of the class, INS Tushil, was inducted into the Navy in December 2024. All seven earlier ships are part of the Western Fleet, the primary combat arm of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command. INS Tamal will be commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata, a specialist in gunnery and missile warfare.
The ceremony began with a joint Guard of Honour by the ship’s crew and Russia’s Baltic Naval Fleet. Mr Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov, Director General of United Shipbuilding Corporation, declared the ceremony open, while Mr Mikhael Babich, Deputy Director General of Russia’s Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation, highlighted the growing maritime collaboration between India and Russia.
Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition, described the commissioning of Tamal as a testament to the enduring Indo-Russian strategic partnership, noting that it is the 51st ship produced through this collaboration over the past 65 years. He commended the shipyard workers and Indian and Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for their contribution to the vessel’s construction, which supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
The transfer of the ship was formalised with the signing of the Delivery Act by Captain Sridhar Tata and Mr Sergey Kupriynav, Director General of the Russian Naval Department. The Russian Navy flag was then lowered, and the Indian Naval ensign was hoisted with full honours, marking the frigate’s induction into active service.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Singh described the commissioning as a milestone for India’s maritime security and an example of the country’s deep defence cooperation with Russia. He noted that Tamal joins the distinguished ranks of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class frigates, renowned for their reliability and firepower. “The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy’s reach, responsiveness, and resilience,” he said.
Although built in Russia, the frigate includes 26% indigenous systems, such as the BrahMos long-range supersonic cruise missile and the Humsa-NG sonar system. The construction of the next two ships of the class in India is expected to further expand joint technological capabilities.
Launched in February 2022, INS Tamal completed extensive sea trials between November 2024 and June 2025, successfully testing her advanced weaponry, including the Shtil-1 surface-to-air missile system, artillery guns, and torpedoes. The frigate is armed with BrahMos missiles, advanced air defence systems, a 100 mm main gun, Close-In Weapon Systems, anti-submarine rockets, and heavyweight torpedoes. She can also embark Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters for anti-submarine and airborne early warning roles.
Equipped for multi-dimensional warfare—air, surface, underwater, and electronic—Tamal features sophisticated electronic warfare systems, network-centric operational capabilities, and robust defences against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
With a crew of about 250 sailors and 26 officers, the ship upholds the motto Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya (Victory Always Everywhere), reflecting its commitment to operational excellence in line with the Navy’s vision of remaining a combat-ready, credible, and cohesive force.
INS Tamal will soon sail to her homeport at Karwar in Karnataka, showcasing India’s maritime strength during her passage. Once operational, the frigate is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and strengthening India’s presence across vital sea lanes.
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