Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy officials on INS Tamal during its commissioning in Russia’s Kalingrad. (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) on Tuesday at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, with Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, flag officer commanding in chief, Western Naval Command, as the chief guest.
Also present were Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, controller warship production and acquisition, Vice Admiral Sergie Lipin, commander Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation Navy, and senior officials from Indian and Russian governments, navies, and industries.
INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in Project 1135.6 and the second of the Tushil-class ships. The first ship, INS Tushil, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, in the presence of the defence minister, Rajnath Singh. All seven ships inducted so far are part of the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command. Captain Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist, commands the ship.
The ceremony began with a joint guard of honour by the ship’s crew and Russia’s Baltic Naval Fleet personnel. Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov, director general of United Shipbuilding Corporation, declared the ceremony open. Mikhaeeiilv Babich, deputy director general of Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, spoke about maritime technological cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies.
VAdm Swaminathan, who was appointed the next chief of Western Naval Command on Tuesday, highlighted the commissioning as symbolic of the strategic partnership between India and Russia, noting that Tamal is the 51st ship produced under this collaborative effort over 65 years. He praised the shipyard workers and Indian and Russian original equipment manufacturers for their workmanship and integration of indigenous systems, contributing to the “Make in India” initiative.
The commanding officer designate and Sergey Kupriynav, director general of Russian Naval Department, signed the delivery act, formalising the ship’s transfer to the Indian Navy. The Russian Navy flag was lowered, followed by reading of the commissioning warrant. The Indian Naval ensign was hoisted with the national anthem and ceremonial salute by the crew’s colour guard.
VAdm Singh noted that the commissioning marked a significant milestone in India’s maritime defence capabilities and India-Russia cooperation. “The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy's reach, responsiveness, and resilience,” he said. “I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, towards safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security.”
VAdm Singh acknowledged that while built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG sonar system. Construction of the next two ships of this class in India will further enhance mutual capabilities.
Technical specifications
INS Tamal is designed for blue water operations across air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic warfare dimensions. Launched on February 24, 2022, she sailed for maiden sea trials in November 2024 and completed factory trials, state committee trials and delivery acceptance trials by June 2025. The ship successfully conducted trial firing of all Russian weapon systems including the vertically launched surface-to-air missile Shtil-1, artillery weapons and torpedoes.
The frigate carries dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched surface-to-air missiles with extended ranges, a 30mm close-in weapon system, 100mm main gun and anti-submarine warfare rockets and heavyweight torpedoes. She combines Indian and Russian technologies with advanced communication and network-centric operational capabilities.
The ship can embark upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31. She is equipped with automated systems for nuclear, biological and chemical defence, damage control and fire-fighting operated from sheltered posts.
INS Tamal is manned by about 250 sailors and 26 officers. The ship's motto is “Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya” (Victory Always Everywhere).
The ship will soon embark on her maiden passage to her home port of Karwar in Karnataka, touching various ports en route to showcase her combat capabilities.
