INS Tamal, the Indian Navy’s latest stealth frigate, has been commissioned into service, strengthening the fleet’s blue-water capabilities. The warship was commissioned at a ceremony attended by senior naval officials, marking the formal induction of a vessel packed with indigenous systems.

Built under a programme that blends Russian design with Indian weapons and sensors, Tamal carries BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, advanced air-defence systems and modern anti-submarine warfare suites. The frigate’s stealth features reduce its radar signature, making it harder to detect in contested waters.

Its commissioning comes as the Navy pursues an ambitious expansion plan to meet growing challenges in the Indian Ocean region. INS Tamal will join the Western Fleet, where it is expected to play a key role in deterrence patrols and multinational exercises. Naval officials said the ship represents another step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in warship construction, with a growing share of its equipment sourced domestically.