INS Tamal (F 71) was commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, on 1 July.
V Adm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, and VAdm Sergie Lipin, Commander of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation Navy, were also present on the occasion, along with other senior officials from the Indian and Russian Governments, Navies, and industries.
About INS Tamal -
- It is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships.
- A gunnery and missile warfare specialist Capt Sridhar Tata will command the ship.
- Under the Indo-Russian strategic partnership, INS Tamal is the 51st ship produced under this collaborative effort in the past 65 years.
- INS Tamal joins the illustrious list of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class of ships, renowned for their dependability and prowess.
- Being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system.
- The ship will soon embark on her maiden passage back to her homeport of Karwar in Karnataka. INS Tamal will touch various ports en route and showcase her combat prowess.
- It would reach India in combat-ready condition.
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The formal induction ceremony:
The ceremony kicked off with a joint Guard of Honour including personnel from the ship's crew and Russia's Baltic Naval Fleet. The ceremony was declared open by the Director General of United Shipbuilding Corporation Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov. In his speech, Mikhaeeiilv Babich, Deputy Director General of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, highlighted the growing maritime technological cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies.
The induction ceremony was then followed by the address of the senior Russian government dignitaries and V Adm R Swaminathanho who highlighted the commissioning of Tamal as symbolic of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. He also congratulated and praised all those involved in the project, especially the shipyard workers, and Indian and Russian OEMs, for their excellent workmanship and flawless integration of indigenous systems, contributing to the 'Aatmanirbhar' and Make in India initiative of the GOI.
As a means of formalising the transfer of the ship to the Indian Navy, a Delivery Act was then signed. The next ceremony involved the lowering of the Russian Navy flag, followed by the reading of the Commissioning Warrant issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Commanding Officer.
The Indian Naval ensign was hoisted in the presence of distinguished guests, accompanied by the national anthem and a ceremonial salute by the 'Colour Guard' proudly presented by the Crew. Simultaneously, the ship's commissioning pennant was also hoisted, signifying its induction into active Naval service. The pennant will remain aflutter till the time the ship remains in commission.
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This commission to boost India's maritime capabilities: V Adm Singh
Chief Guest, V Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, called the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy a noteworthy milestone in the country's maritime defence capabilities and Indo-Russian Cooperation. He extended his appreciation to the Russian Ministry of Defence, FSMTC, Rosoboronexport, United Shipping Corporation, Yantar Shipyard, and the Warship Overseeing Team for their relentless efforts in building the warship.
"The commissioning of versatile platforms like INS Tamal enhances the Indian Navy's reach, responsiveness, and resilience. I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, toward safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security", he stated while also relishing the role of the Russian Navy and Baltic Fleet their role in bringing Tamal to its full combat capability and appreciated the commissioning crew for their dedication and professionalism.
The construction of the next two ships of the class in India further enhances the scope, potential and wide horizon in harnessing and synergising mutual strengths and joint capabilities. He concluded his address by emphasising that the Indian Navy stands as a credible, capable, cohesive, and future-ready force ready to meet any challenges anytime, anywhere.
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