India Commissions New Russian-Built Project 11356 Frigate ‘Tamal’

The Indian Navy has officially commissioned the frigate Tamal, the eighth Project 11356 ship built in Russia for India, during a ceremony held in Kaliningrad on Tuesday.

The frigate was delivered by Rosoboronexport JSC, part of Russia’s Rostec State Corporation, and constructed by the United Shipbuilding Corporation. It incorporates more than 20 Indian-made ship systems, including the BrahMos supersonic missile system, an automated communications system, a surface search and target acquisition radar, and a sonar station.

Rosoboronexport is currently discussing over 50 joint defense projects with Indian entities and actively working on several of them.

Tamal is equipped with a range of systems designed to counter modern threats. These include the Shtil-1 vertical-launch surface-to-air missile system for air defense, 100mm and 30mm artillery for surface engagements, and electronic warfare systems capable of neutralizing unmanned aerial and surface threats.

The frigate also features a reinforced helipad to support operations of a Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter. With an endurance of 4,850 nautical miles and the ability to remain at sea for up to 30 days without resupply, the vessel enhances India’s long-range maritime capabilities.

India already operates seven Project 11356 frigates. In December 2024, the seventh ship, Tushil, was commissioned in Kaliningrad. Meanwhile, the ninth and tenth frigates are currently under construction at Goa Shipyard Limited in India with support from Rosoboronexport.