INS Tamal induction ceremony in Kaliningrad Russia.
INS Tamal, Latest Stealth Frigate Commissioned into Indian Navy: Kaliningrad, Russia – July 1, 2025 – The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) today at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event was attended by Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Also present were Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition, and Admiral Sergie Lipin, Commander Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation Navy, alongside other officials from the Indian and Russian governments, navies, and industries.
INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the Project 1135.6 series and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first ship of this class, INS Tushil, was commissioned on December 9, 2024. All seven ships inducted prior to Tamal are part of the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command. This ceremony formalizes the induction of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy. The ship is commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata, a specialist in gunnery and missile warfare.
The commissioning ceremony began with a joint Guard of Honour composed of personnel from the ship’s crew and Russia’s Baltic Naval Fleet. Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov, Director General of United Shipbuilding Corporation, opened the ceremony. In his inaugural speech, Mikhaeeiilv Babich, Deputy Director General of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, discussed maritime technological cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies.
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INS Tamal induction ceremony in Kaliningrad Russia.
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This was followed by addresses from Russian government dignitaries and Admiral R Swaminathan, CWP&A, who noted the commissioning of Tamal as a representation of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. He stated that the Indo-Russian strategic partnership has been maintained, with Tamal being the 51st ship produced under this collaborative effort over the past 65 years. He acknowledged those involved in the project, including shipyard workers and Indian and Russian OEMs, for their work and integration of indigenous systems.
The signing of the Delivery Act by the Commanding Officer Designate and Sergey Kupriynav, Director General of the Russian Naval Department, formalized the transfer of the ship to the Indian Navy. The Russian Navy flag was then lowered, followed by the reading of the Commissioning Warrant issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Commanding Officer. The Indian Naval ensign was hoisted in the presence of guests, accompanied by the national anthem and a ceremonial salute by the ‘Colour Guard’ presented by the crew. Concurrently, the ship’s commissioning pennant was hoisted, signifying its induction into active Naval service.
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In his address, Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh stated that the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy marked a development in the country’s maritime defense capabilities and Indo-Russian cooperation. He noted that INS Tamal joins the list of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class ships. Singh acknowledged the crew and Yantar Shipyard for their efforts in the commissioning ceremony.
He expressed appreciation to the Russian Ministry of Defence, FSMTC, Rosoboronexport, United Shipping Corporation, Yantar Shipyard, and the Warship Overseeing Team for their efforts in building the warship. He commented that the commissioning of platforms like INS Tamal aims to enhance the Indian Navy’s reach, responsiveness, and resilience, and that the ship is expected to contribute to operational architecture for safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security.
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INS Tamal inducted in Kaliningrad Russia.
Singh also acknowledged the Russian Navy and Baltic Fleet for their role in bringing Tamal to its combat capability and recognized the commissioning crew for their dedication and professionalism. He stated that, despite being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system. The construction of the next two ships of the class in India is expected to enhance the scope and potential for leveraging mutual strengths and joint capabilities. He concluded by stating that the Indian Navy is positioned as a force ready to meet challenges.
The Commanding Officer provided Singh with a tour of the ship, explaining various upgrades and advancements compared to previous classes of ships. This was followed by an exchange of souvenirs and the signing of the visitor’s book.
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Indian Navy Contingent at INS Tamal induction ceremony in Kaliningrad.
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Indian Navy’s INS Tamal Stealth Frigate
INS Tamal is designed for blue water operations across naval warfare dimensions, including air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic. The ship was launched on February 24, 2022. It began its maiden sea trials in November 2024 and completed Factory Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials, both in harbor and at sea, by June 2025. The ship has conducted trial firings of its Russian weapon systems, including the vertical launched surface-to-air missile Shtil-1, artillery weapons, and torpedoes.
Tamal is equipped with Dual role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched surface-to-air missiles with extended ranges, the 30 MM Close in Weapon System, the 100 MM Main gun, and ASW rockets and heavyweight torpedoes. Tamal integrates Indian and Russian technologies with communication and network-centric operational capabilities. Its electronic warfare suite and EO/IR systems are intended to enhance its platform capabilities. The combat management system integrates weapons and sensors. The ship is also capable of embarking upgraded Anti-submarine and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31.
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The ship is equipped with automated systems for nuclear, biological, and chemical defense, including damage control and fire-fighting, which can be operated centrally from sheltered posts. These systems are intended to minimize casualties and facilitate rapid restoration of combat effectiveness. INS Tamal is manned by a crew of approximately 250 sailors and 26 officers. The ship’s motto is Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya (Victory always everywhere).
The ship is scheduled to embark on its maiden passage back to its homeport of Karwar in Karnataka, with planned stops at various ports en route.
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