Indian Navy commissions stealth frigate INS Tamal in Russia

The Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Tamal (F 71), a multi-role stealth frigate, on July 1 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This significant event, attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, along with senior Indian and Russian defence officials, marks a crucial boost to India's maritime defence capabilities and underscores the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations.

INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the Project 1135.6 series and the second of the "Tushil" class of follow-on ships. It joins the illustrious fleet of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class ships, all renowned for their dependability and prowess, forming part of the Western Fleet – the 'Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy. Commanded by Capt Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist, INS Tamal is equipped for blue-water operations across all four dimensions of naval warfare: air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic. Notably, despite being built in Russia, the frigate incorporates 26% indigenous components, including the advanced BrahMos long-range cruise missiles and the Humsa-NG Sonar system, reflecting India's "Aatmanirbhar" and "Make in India" initiatives.

The commissioning ceremony featured a joint Guard of Honour, addresses from dignitaries highlighting the technological collaboration, and the formal signing of the Delivery Act. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh lauded INS Tamal as a "formidable moving fortress" that enhances the Indian Navy's reach, responsiveness, and resilience, confident it will act as a force multiplier in safeguarding national maritime interests. The ship has completed extensive sea trials and successfully test-fired its Russian weapon systems, including Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, artillery, and torpedoes. INS Tamal is now set to embark on its maiden passage back to its homeport of Karwar in Karnataka, ready to integrate into active naval service.