Navy

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Ship Itsukushima, commanded by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, arrived at Chennai Port on July 07, 2025, as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and JCG in the Indo-Pacific. The week-long port call includes high-level bilateral meetings, joint professional & cultural exchanges, and a sea exercise aimed at boosting interoperability between the two forces.

During the port call, crew members will engage in courtesy calls, reciprocal ship visits, joint training sessions, yoga, and sporting events, culminating in a joint sea exercise ‘Jaa Mata’ (see you later) on July 12, 2025.

As a symbol of growing cooperation, four ICG officers will sail onboard Itsukushima to Singapore as Sea Riders, continuing the tradition of professional exchange. This engagement builds on the 2006 Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan, aligned with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

Indian Navy proudly celebrated the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. On 03 Jul 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air). SLt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman to be streamed into the Fighter stream of Naval Aviation – Shattering barriers and paving way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy.

Indian Navy has already inducted women officers as Pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in MR aircraft and helicopters. Streaming of SLt Aastha Poonia into the Fighter Stream highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment towards gender inclusivity in Naval Aviation and promoting Nari Shakti, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity.

The eighth edition of Indian Navy’s apex meeting on safety, the Annual Safety Review 2025, was conducted at Southern Naval Command, Kochi from 02 – 03 Jul 25. The meeting held in hybrid mode (both online and offline) was attended by officers from NHQ, representatives from all Command HQs, and Safety Class Authorities. VAdm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command delivered the keynote address. Further proceedings of the two-day review were presided over by VAdm K Swaminathan, VCNS, who is also the Chairman of Indian Navy’s Safety Committee.

The event witnessed discussions and brainstorming by key stakeholders to strengthen the safety climate of Indian Navy. Safety Trend Analysis Tool (STAT), an application jointly developed by Indian Naval Safety Team (INST), Kochi, and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), was launched during the event. A compendium of safety and risk management initiatives undertaken pan-Navy was also released during the review.

All Commands of the Indian Navy, the tri-service Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Safety Class Authorities presented briefs on safety initiatives and challenges. Several agenda points related to safety were deliberated during the review. The Indian Navy conducts the safety review at the apex level every year with the objective of analysing all aspects concerned with operational and functional safety and provide organisational framework to strengthen safety culture.

Yard 12652 (Udaygiri), the second ship of Project 17A stealth frigate, being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 01 July 2025. The Project is a follow-on of the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates active in service. Udaygiri is the second among the seven P17A frigates under construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata. These multi-mission frigates are capable of operating in a ‘Blue Water’ environment dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats in the area of India’s Maritime Interests. Udaygiri is a modern Avatar of its predecessor, erstwhile INS Udaygiri which was a Steam Ship, decommissioned on 24 August 2007 after rendering 31 years of glorious service to the nation.

P-17A ships have enhanced stealth features and fitted with ‘State of the Art’ weapons and sensors, a significant upgrade from the P17 class. The ships represent a quantum leap in Indian Navy’s in-house design capabilities at the Warship Design Bureau. The newly designed ships are also being built employing the philosophy of ‘Integrated Construction’, which involves extensive pre-outfitting at the Block stages to reduce the overall build periods. Udaygiri has been delivered to the Indian Navy, in a record time of 37 months from the date of launching.

The hull of P17A ships is geo-symmetrically larger by 4.54 % vis-à-vis P 17. These ships are fitted with an advanced weapon and sensors suite with enhanced ‘sleek and stealthy’ features compared to the P 17 class. The ships are configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) main propulsion plants, comprising a Diesel Engine and Gas turbine, driving a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft and a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The weapon suite comprises supersonic Surface-to-Surface missile system, Medium-Range Surface to Air Missile system, 76 mm Gun, and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm rapid-fire close-in Weapon Systems.

Aatmanirbharta in Ship Building and Employment Generation.   The delivery of Udaygiri showcases the nation’s ship design, ship construction and engineering prowess enabled by a strong industrial ecosystem supported by over 200 MSMEs. The warship is fitted with major weapons and sensors sourced from indigenous OEMs.

Plough Back. The shipbuilding requirements of the Project have led to direct employment generation for about 4,000 personnel and more than 10,000 personnel through indirect/ ancillary sources. The positive spin offs of the shipbuilding project included self-reliance, economic development, employment generation, growth of MSMEs and ancillary ecosystem in the country.

The remaining five ships of the P 17A Class are at various stages of construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata and would be delivered progressively by end 2026.

INS Teg, a frontline stealth frigate of the Western Naval Command, concluded a port visit at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 30 Jun 2025. The visit formed part of the ship’s operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region and featured a wide spectrum of professional, social and cultural engagements, underscoring the maritime partnership between India and Seychelles.

On arrival at Port Victoria on 26 Jun 2025, the Commanding Officer called on senior government and military officials of Seychelles, including Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) SPDF, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister of Home Affairs and Mr Kartik Pande, the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles (HCI). The officers and crew also interacted with senior government functionaries and officials from the Indian High Commission onboard the ship. These discussions contributed to strengthening camaraderie, bilateral ties and promoting cooperation in the maritime domain.

As part of cultural outreach, a yoga session, in line with the International Day of Yoga 2025 theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, was conducted onboard on 28 Jun 2025 with enthusiastic participation by the local populace, Indian diaspora and the ship’s crew.

Towards fostering greater understanding of the Indian Navy’s role and capabilities, the ship was open to visitors at Port Victoria on 28 Jun 2025. About 200 visitors were provided a guided tour of the ship and the entire event garnered immense interest and appreciation for the Indian Navy’s efforts in promoting maritime security in the region.

A cultural evening was hosted onboard the ship on 28 Jul 25. Invitees included the CDF, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Minister for Agriculture, the Minister for Community Affairs, other functionaries from the Govt of Seychelles, the HCI, envoys of friendly foreign nations including France, Japan, USA, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, and members of the Indian diaspora. During his address the CDF highlighted the vibrant India-Seychelles defence partnership including support for capacity building through joint military exercises and regular port calls by Indian Naval ships. The programme facilitated a productive exchange of professional views, followed by a captivating performance by the Naval band, a vibrant dance performance by the ship’s crew and delectable Indian cuisine during dinner.

The highlight of the port call was participation of a marching contingent from the ship along with the famed Indian Naval Band in a parade to commemorate the 49th National Day of Seychelles on 29 June 2025. A flypast was also undertaken by the ship’s integral helicopter during the parade. The enthusiasm and standards of marching showcased by the contingent attracted appreciation from all quarters.

On completion of her port call on 30 Jun 2025, the ship embarked personnel from the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) for joint surveillance of Seychelles EEZ from 30 Jun -02 Jul 2025. This initiative reaffirms India’s commitment towards safety of the global commons and combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The ship will proceed with the next phase of deployment post disembarking the SCG personnel.

This visit stands testament to the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthen maritime security cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations.

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F 71) on 01 Jul 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. VAdm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition, VAdm Sergie Lipin, Commander 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.

INS Tamal 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. The first ship of Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on 09 Dec 24 in presence of Honourable Raksha Mantri. All seven ships inducted thus far are part of the Western Fleet – ‘The Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command. This ceremony marks the formal induction of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy. The ship is commanded by Capt Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist.

The ceremony kicked off with an impressive joint Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the ship’s crew and Russia’s Baltic Naval Fleet. The ceremony was declared open by Mr Andrey Sergeyvich Puchkov – Director General United Shipbuilding Corporation. In his inaugural speech Mr. Mikhaeeiilv Babich, Deputy Director General of Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, spoke about the maritime technological cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies and its growing future trajectory. This was followed by addresses of senior Russian government dignitaries and V Adm R Swaminathan, CWP&A, who highlighted the commissioning of Tamal as symbolic of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. It also exemplifies the collaborative strength and the ability to dovetail technologies of both nations into one combat platform. He commented that the Indo-Russian strategic partnership has stood the test of time, with Tamal being the 51st ship being produced under this collaborative effort in the past 65 years. He congratulated all those involved in the project, especially, the shipyard workers, Indian and Russian OEMs for their excellent workmanship, and flawless integration of indigenous systems contributing handsomely to Aatmanirbhar and Make in India initiative of the GOI.

This was followed by the signing of the Delivery Act by the Commanding Officer Designate and Mr Sergey Kupriynav- Director General of Russian Naval Department, formalising the transfer of the ship to the Indian Navy. The next ceremony involved the lowering of the Russian Navy flag followed by reading of the Commissioning Warrant issue 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.

In his address, the Chief Guest, V Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh noted that the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in the country’s maritime defense capabilities and Indo-Russian Cooperation. He commented that INS Tamal joins the illustrious list of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class of ships, renowned for their dependability and prowess. The CinC congratulated the crew and Yantar Shipyard for their efforts in making the commissioning ceremony impressive and memorable. 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,” he said. ” I am confident that the ship will prove its mettle as a force multiplier in our operational architecture, towards safeguarding national maritime interests and promoting maritime security. “

The Chief guest also acknowledged the Russian Navy and Baltic Fleet for their role in bringing Tamal to its full combat capability and appreciated the commissioning crew for their dedication and professionalism. He remarked that, though being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system. 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.

The Chief Guest was shown around the ship by the Commanding Officer and explained the various upgrades made by the ship in addressing the challenges faced by her sister ships and advancements as compared to the previous classes of ships. This was followed by souvenirs exchange before signing the visitor’s book. He then proceeded to interact with the guests and dignitaries at High Tea.

INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions ie. air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic. The ship was launched on 24 February 2022. She sailed for her maiden sea trials Nov 2024, and completed an exhaustive schedule of Factory Trials State Committee Trials and the Delivery Acceptance Trials, both in harbour and at sea, by Jun 2025. The ship has successfully carried out trial firing of all her Russian weapon systems including the vertical launched surface to air missile Shtil-1, artillery weapons and torpedos.

Tamal punches well above her weight with Dual role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched surface to air missile with extended ranges, the standard 30 MM Close in Weapon System, the 100 MM Main gun and very potent ASW rockets and heavyweight torpedoes. Tamal is an amalgamation of Indian and Russian technologies with a host of state of the art communication and network centric operational capabilities. The complement of advanced electronic warfare suite and advanced EO/IR systems adds ears and eyes to this potent platform. The highly versatile combat management system fuses all weapons and sensors into an effective fighting machine. The ship is also capable of embarking the upgraded Anti-submarine and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31, which are formidable force multipliers.

The ship has been equipped with complex automated systems for nuclear, biological and chemical defence, including damage control and fire-fighting that can be operated centrally from sheltered posts. These complex systems aid in minimising casualties, achieve rapid restoration of combat effectiveness, enhancing combat capability and survivability.

INS Tamal is manned by a crew of about 250 sailors and 26 officers. The officers and sailors of this ship embody the ships motto – Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya (Victory always everywhere), signifying Tamal’s undying commitment to operational excellence in every mission, complementing Indian Navy’s motto ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere’.

The ship will soon embark on her maiden passage back to her homeport of Karwar in Karnataka. Tamal will touch various ports enroute and showcase her combat prowess. It would reach India in combat-ready condition set to dominate the maritime space

Demonstrating rapid operational readiness and its unwavering commitment to seafarer safety, the Indian Navy undertook a high-risk firefighting and rescue operation on-board Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 on 29 Jun 2025  in the North Arabian Sea, successfully stabilising the situation and ensuring the safety of 14 Indian crew members.

In the early hours of 29 Jun 2025, INS Tabar on mission-based deployment, received a Mayday distress call from MT Yi Cheng 6. The vessel reported a major fire outbreak in its engine room whilst operating approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah, UAE.

Responding swiftly, INS Tabar proceeded at maximum speed to provide assistance. The ship reached in vicinity of the distressed vessel and upon arrival established communication with the Master of the vessel and commenced firefighting operations.

Prioritising crew safety, seven crew members were immediately evacuated to INS Tabar using ship’s boats. No injuries were reported, and all crew were examined by Tabar’s medical team. The remaining crew members, including the Master, stayed onboard to assist with fire containment. INS Tabar deployed a six-member firefighting and damage control team with firefighting equipment.

Initial firefighting efforts from the Indian Naval personnel and ship’s crew resulted in considerable reduction in intensity of the fire with smoke restricted to the engine room. The firefighting effort was further reinforced with 13 additional Indian Navy personnel (5 officers and 8 sailors).

Sustained efforts by Indian Navy’s firefighting team along with crew members have successfully brought the fire under control. Continuous temperature checks and monitoring is being undertaken. INS Tabar remains on station for continued support.

The valiant effort of Indian Naval personnel has ensured safety of the ship along with all Indian crew members. This incident once again highlights Indian Navy’s rapid response capability, operational preparedness, humanitarian approach to maritime safety and reaffirms India’s role as the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.