India achieved a significant naval achievement with the official commissioning of INS Tamal (F71) on July 1, 2025, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This stealth guided missile frigate, the last major warship built abroad for the Indian Navy, reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The commissioning of INS Tamal strengthens the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and heralds a new era of indigenization in defense manufacturing.
Why in News?
INS Tamal’s official commissioning on July 1, 2025, in Kaliningrad, marks the culmination of the Indo-Russian defense partnership and underscores India’s strategic shift towards indigenization in defense production under national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat. This significant event signifies the 51st ship built under the Indo-Russian collaboration in the past 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 defense systems
- Automated damage control and firefighting
- Indigenously integrated systems showcase India’s growing self-reliant defense manufacturing
- Represents transition from import dependence to domestic shipbuilding, with the next ships in the series to be constructed in India
Future Deployment
INS Tamal is expected to reach Karwar, Karnataka, as its homeport for future deployments.
Summary/Static Details
- Why in the news? INS Tamal Commissioned in Kaliningrad
- Location: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia
- Class/Project: Talwar-class / Project 1135.6
- Role: Multi-role stealth guided missile frigate
- Indigenization Level: 26% (includes BrahMos and HUMSA-NG sonar)
- Strategic Shift: Marks the end of foreign-built warships for the Indian Navy
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- INS Tamal (F71) marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, highlighting India’s move towards self-reliance in defense production.
- The commissioning of INS Tamal signifies a strategic shift towards indigenization in defense manufacturing under India’s national initiatives.
- This event underlines the strong Indo-Russian defense partnership, with INS Tamal being the 51st ship built in collaboration over the past 65 years.
- INS Tamal’s advanced capabilities and armament make it a valuable addition to the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, enhancing its operational prowess.
- The future deployment of INS Tamal at Karwar, Karnataka, showcases India’s focus on strengthening its naval presence in strategic locations.
