Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its operational capabilities through the upcoming commissioning of the multi-role stealth guided missile frigate INS Tushil in Kaliningrad, Russia on December 9. This event underscores the strategic significance of Indo-Russian naval collaboration, further solidifying the long-standing ties between the two nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will serve as the chief guest at the commissioning ceremony, which will also host numerous high-ranking officials from both Russian and Indian government and defense circles.
INS Tushil is an upgraded vessel from the Krivak III-class frigates, specifically part of Project 11356. This marks the seventh ship in the series, with six already in service—three Talwar-class ships constructed at Baltiysky Zavod Shipyard in St. Petersburg, and three Teg-class ships from Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The contract for the two upgraded follow-on ships, including INS Tushil, was signed in 2016 between JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy, and the Indian government.
Construction of INS Tushil was closely supervised by a team of Indian specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team stationed in Kaliningrad, operating under the guidance of the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The ship has been built through the dedicated efforts of numerous Russian and Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), along with hundreds of shipyard workers.
Since January, INS Tushil has undergone a series of rigorous trials, including factory sea trials and state committee trials, culminating in delivery acceptance trials conducted by a team of Indian specialists. These trials tested the performance of all Russian equipment fitted aboard, including various weapon systems. Impressively, the ship achieved a speed exceeding 30 knots during these trials. With these successful evaluations completed, INS Tushil is expected to arrive in India in a nearly combat-ready condition, ready for deployment.
The name ‘Tushil’ translates to ‘the protector shield,’ and its crest symbolizes the ‘Abhedya Kavacham’ or impenetrable shield. This frigate embodies the motto ‘Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel,’ which means fearless, indomitable, and resolute. INS Tushil is a testament to the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers.
Weighing in at 125 meters and 3,900 tons, INS Tushil boasts a formidable design that incorporates the latest advancements in both Russian and Indian maritime technology, resulting in a ship characterized by enhanced stealth features and improved stability. Collaborative efforts between Indian naval specialists and the Severnoye Design Bureau have increased the ship’s indigenous content to an impressive 26 percent, along with more than doubling the number of systems manufactured in India to 33.
Upon joining the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, INS Tushil will rank among the most technologically advanced frigates globally. Its commissioning not only represents an increase in the capabilities of the Indian Navy but also highlights the strong collaborative efforts and resilient partnership between India and Russia.
