INS Tamal Arrives in St. Petersburg for Maiden Port Visit
India’s frontline stealth frigate , INS Tamal, docked at the historic port of St. Petersburg on 24 July 2025 for her first international port call since commissioning.
Commissioning in Russia
The frigate was officially commissioned on 1 July 2025 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh and other senior naval officials from India and Russia.
Ceremonial Welcome by Russian Hosts
INS Tamal received a formal welcome in St. Petersburg involving representatives from the city government, officials of the Russian Federation Navy, and a ceremonial band. The occasion coincided with the Russian Navy Day celebrations.
Significance of the Visit
- This marks the first overseas port call for INS Tamal, symbolizing deep Indo-Russian naval cooperation.
- The ship is the second of the Tushil-class frigates (Project 11356.6), and the last foreign-built vessel to be inducted into India’s Navy.
INS Tamal Specifications
- Length: ~125 m | Displacement: ~4,000 t
- Armament includes BrahMos cruise missiles, Shtil-1 VLS system, 100 mm naval gun, CIWS, torpedoes, and ASW rockets.
- Features over 26% indigenous systems like Humsa-NG sonar and C2 suite.
Program Context & Next Steps
- INS Tamal was built at Yantar Shipyard, launched in February 2022, and completed trials by mid‑2025.
- It will join India’s Western Fleet, with a homeport at Karwar, and thereafter undertake a multi-port voyage before fully integrating into service.
Final Take
The arrival of INS Tamal in St. Petersburg marks a major milestone—both for the Indian Navy’s strategic outreach and for deepening maritime ties with Russia. As India transitions to indigenous shipbuilding, Tamal stands as the last symbol of an era, setting the stage for future self-reliant naval strength.
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