India’s Last Imported Warship 'Tamal' Set For June Commissioning As The Stealth Frigate Enters Final Trials In Russia: Report

The Indian Navy crew designated to operate Tamal, the stealth frigate under construction in Russia, arrived in Saint Petersburg last week in preparation for the warship’s commissioning, expected in early June, reported The Hindu.

This event holds significance as 'Tamal' will be the last warship to be commissioned outside India, marking a transition as the country now designs and builds its own warships.

Crew Training and Trials

A 200-member commissioning crew landed in Saint Petersburg nearly 10 days ago to undergo training ahead of the ship’s final trials. 

After completing the training phase, the team will shift to Kaliningrad, where Tamal will undergo a series of trials leading up to its commissioning, The Hindu reported citing official sources.

The stealth frigate is being built as part of a 2016 Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and Russia for four follow-on frigates.

Under the agreement, two ships were to be directly procured from Russia, while the remaining two were to be built in India by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) under a technology transfer arrangement.

A $1-billion deal was signed for the two frigates imported from Russia.

Tamal has completed manufacturer trials and is now undergoing State Committee Trials, after which it will proceed to delivery acceptance trials—a crucial phase comprising both harbour and sea trials lasting approximately 45 to 50 days.

The ship’s weapons will also be tested before it is deemed ready for commissioning.

Follow-On Frigates Under the Agreement

The first ship built in Russia under the agreement, INS Tushil, was commissioned on 9 December 2024, in Kaliningrad in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

It reached its homeport in Karwar on 14 February 2025, after covering 12,500 nautical miles and visiting eight countries across three continents.

For the two Indian-built frigates, Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) signed a $500-million agreement with Rosoboronexport of Russia in 2018 for materials, design, and technical assistance.

The contract for their construction was finalised between the Defence Ministry and GSL in January 2019.

The first Indian-built frigate was launched into the water last year, and the second is expected to be launched in the next few months.

According to officials cited in the report, GSL remains on track to deliver the first ship in 2026, with the second following six months later.

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