INS Tamal Commissioned in Kaliningrad

India marked a major naval milestone with the commissioning of INS Tamal (F71) on July 1, 2025, at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This stealth guided missile frigate is the last major warship to be built abroad for the Indian Navy, aligning with India’s push toward defence self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. INS Tamal will now join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, bolstering blue-water operational capability and showcasing a new era of indigenisation.

Why in News?

INS Tamal was officially commissioned on July 1, 2025, in Kaliningrad, Russia. It is the last foreign-built major warship being inducted into the Indian Navy. The ship signifies a strategic shift towards indigenisation of defence production under India’s national initiatives. It also marks the continuation of the Indo-Russian defence partnership, as Tamal is the 51st ship built under this collaboration over the last 65 years.

Key Highlights

• Ship Name: INS Tamal (F71)
• Project: 1135.6 / Talwar-class
• Commissioned on: July 1, 2025
• Location: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia
• Commanding Officer: Captain Sridhar Tata
• Fleet: Indian Navy’s Western Fleet
• Indigenous content: 26% (includes BrahMos missiles, HUMSA-NG sonar)

Specifications and Capabilities

• Stealth Multi-role Frigate
• Four-Dimensional Warfare Capability: Air, Surface, Sub-surface, and Electronic warfare

Armament

• Dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
• Vertically launched surface-to-air missiles (VL-SAM) with extended range
• 100 mm main gun
• 30 mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
• Anti-submarine rocket launchers
• Heavyweight torpedoes

Indo-Russian Defence Collaboration

• 51 ships built under Indo-Russian partnership in 65 years
• Vice Admiral R. Swaminathan highlighted the depth and trust in the bilateral relationship
• Tamal is the eighth ship in the Project 1135.6 series and second of the follow-on Tushil-class

Technological and Strategic Importance

• Advanced NBC defence systems
• Automated damage control and firefighting
• Indigenously integrated systems showcase India’s growing self-reliant defence manufacturing
• Represents transition from import dependence to domestic shipbuilding, with the next ships in the series to be constructed in India

Future Deployment

• Expected to reach Karwar, Karnataka, as its homeport