The Indian Navy has recently welcomed its newest warship, INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth frigate weighing 3,900 tonnes, during a commissioning ceremony held in Kaliningrad. The event was marked by remarks from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who emphasized the significance of this milestone in enhancing bilateral defense relations between India and Russia. Singh highlighted the potential for further collaboration in “new and unexplored areas” including artificial intelligence, cyber-security, space exploration, and counterterrorism.
The minister’s statements underscored a vision of a new era of cooperation, as both nations look to leverage their respective expertise. He pointed out that the ongoing ‘Made in India’ initiative is increasingly reflected in the ships being constructed, including INS Tushil, showcasing the collaborative efforts of Indian and Russian industries.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi praised the dedication and skill of the workers at the Yantar shipyard and acknowledged the seamless integration of Indian systems with Russian technology, which has contributed to enhanced capabilities in the frigate’s design and construction.
INS Tushil is an advanced version of the Krivak-III class frigate, designed for operations across the full spectrum of naval warfare, excelling in air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. This 125-metre long vessel is equipped with an array of cutting-edge weaponry, including the jointly-developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically-launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles, and upgraded medium-range anti-air guns. Complementing these weapons, the ship also features advanced electronic warfare and communication systems.
The frigate is designed for high performance with the ability to reach speeds in excess of 30 knots and the capacity to deploy advanced airborne platforms such as the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters, which are critical for anti-submarine warfare and early-warnings operations.
The acquisition of INS Tushil is part of a larger collaboration outlined in an agreement signed in October 2018, which includes plans for four upgraded Krivak-III class frigates. The first two frigates are being imported from Russia at an estimated cost of around Rs 8,000 crore, while the remaining two, including INS Tushil, are being constructed at Goa Shipyard under a technology transfer agreement, with an overall expenditure projected at around Rs 13,000 crore. The first of these locally constructed vessels was launched as Triput in July this year.
This commissioning not only complements India’s existing fleet—which already includes six Russian frigates (three Talwar-class and three Teg-class) inducted between 2003 and 2004—but also reflects an ongoing commitment to modernizing and strengthening the country’s naval capabilities through international partnerships.
