The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal, a multi-role stealth frigate, on 1 July 2025 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The vessel is the eighth frigate under Project 1135.6 and the second ship in the Tushil-class follow-on order. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
INS Tamal was officially handed over to the Indian Navy after the signing of the Delivery Act between the ship’s commanding officer and Russian representatives. The ship will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and is currently commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata. It is scheduled to sail to its homeport in Karwar, Karnataka, with port calls planned en route.
Launched in February 2022, INS Tamal began sea trials in November 2024 and completed them by June 2025. The ship successfully conducted test firings of its primary weapon systems, including the vertically launched Shtil-1 surface-to-air missile, artillery guns, and torpedoes.
The frigate, which was handed over to the Indian Navy by Rosoboronexport, is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, air defence systems, anti-submarine rockets, heavyweight torpedoes, and a 100 mm main gun. It integrates Indian and Russian systems and is fitted with network-centric communication, electronic warfare capabilities, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and a combat management system. The ship can carry Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters.
Rosoboronexport is currently engaged in more than 50 joint projects with Indian partners across all branches of the armed forces, with an emphasis on co-production and technology sharing. The addition of Tamal supports India’s broader naval modernization efforts amid evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to the Indian Navy, the commissioning of platforms such as INS Tamal enhances operational reach and supports maritime security. The ship features 26 percent indigenous systems, including the BrahMos missile and the Humsa-NG sonar. Future ships in the same class are under construction in India. INS Tamal is also equipped with nuclear, biological, and chemical defence systems with centralized operation.
The vessel will operate with a crew of 250 sailors and 26 officers and is expected to return to India in a combat-ready state.
Project 1135.6 represents a long-standing collaboration between India and Russia. According to the Indian Navy, this marks the 51st ship produced through Indo-Russian cooperation over the past 65 years.
The Indian Navy, the maritime arm of the Indian Armed Forces, operates a fleet that includes aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, frigates, and various auxiliary vessels. It is tasked with safeguarding India’s maritime interests and maintaining strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region.
