Kaliningrad: In a landmark moment underscoring India’s growing naval strength and deep-rooted defence partnership with Russia, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) on Monday at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The ceremony, attended by senior naval officials and dignitaries from both nations, marks the induction of the eighth multi-role stealth frigate under Project 1135.6 and the second ship in the Tushil class.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, presided over the commissioning event. He was joined by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition, and Vice Admiral Sergie Lipin, Commander of Russia’s Baltic Fleet, along with top officials from Indian and Russian defence establishments and shipbuilding industries.
Commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare expert, INS Tamal is set to join the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy—popularly known as “The Sword Arm”—with its homeport in Karwar, Karnataka.
The ceremony began with a joint Guard of Honour by Indian and Russian naval personnel. It featured addresses from senior dignitaries, including Mikhail Babich, Deputy Director General of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of Russia, who praised the maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan, highlighting the strategic significance of the event, stated, “INS Tamal symbolises the strength of the Indo-Russian defence collaboration. This is the 51st warship produced under this partnership in the last 65 years. The ship is a testament to our technological integration and the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through its incorporation of indigenous systems.”
The ceremonial transfer of the vessel was formalised with the signing of the Delivery Act, followed by the hoisting of the Indian Naval Ensign and commissioning pennant, accompanied by the national anthem and salute by the Colour Guard.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh hailed the ship as a “force multiplier” and congratulated the crew and Yantar Shipyard for the successful commissioning. He acknowledged the contributions of Russia’s Ministry of Defence, Rosoboronexport, and other key agencies, emphasising how INS Tamal strengthens India’s maritime reach, responsiveness, and resilience.
Despite being built in Russia, 26% of the ship’s components are indigenously sourced, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and Humsa-NG sonar, exemplifying India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. The next two Tushil-class frigates will be built in India, marking another step towards indigenous shipbuilding.
The Chief Guest was taken on a tour of the ship, showcasing its advanced systems and enhancements over previous Talwar and Teg class frigates. Souvenirs were exchanged, and the Vice Admiral signed the visitors’ book before interacting with Indian and Russian dignitaries.
Launched on February 24, 2022, INS Tamal completed a comprehensive schedule of sea and harbour trials by June 2025. Its state-of-the-art arsenal includes the BrahMos missiles, Shtil-1 vertical-launch SAMs, 100 mm main gun, 30 mm CIWS, ASW rockets, and heavyweight torpedoes.
With sophisticated electronic warfare systems, a robust combat management suite, and the capability to operate Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters, INS Tamal is fully equipped for blue-water operations across all domains—air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic.
The ship is also fitted with advanced NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) defence mechanisms and automated damage control systems that enhance survivability in combat.
INS Tamal is manned by 26 officers and around 250 sailors, who uphold the motto “Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya” (Victory Always, Everywhere), reflecting the Navy’s broader commitment to remaining a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force.
Set to sail for India shortly, INS Tamal will call at various ports en route to Karwar, where she will be formally integrated into fleet operations—ready to bolster India’s maritime dominance across strategic waters.
