India is set to receive its much-anticipated stealth frigate, Tushil, from Russia in December 2024, following a significant delay attributed to supply chain issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally induct the guided-missile warship on December 9 at the Yantar Shipyard located in Kaliningrad, Russia.
The Tushil is the first of four state-of-the-art frigates being constructed for the Indian Navy, with the delivery timeline pushed back due to various global sourcing challenges. This delivery is poised to enhance India’s naval capabilities, particularly in light of the increasing strategic complexities facing the Indo-Pacific region.
The Tushil embodies advanced stealth technology and is outfitted with modern weapon systems that allow it to execute a variety of operational roles, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat. The name “Tushil,” which translates to “protector” in Sanskrit, reflects its primary mission of safeguarding India’s maritime borders and interests.
The agreement for the acquisition of these stealth frigates was signed between Russia and India in October 2016, marking a significant step in defense cooperation. Under the terms of the agreement, two of the frigates are being imported directly from Russia while the remaining two will be constructed locally by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). A contract worth approximately $1 billion was established for the procurement of the first two frigates, and in November 2018, GSL secured an additional $500 million deal with Rosoboronexport to facilitate the domestic manufacturing of the other frigates, covering required materials, design, and technical support. The formal contract between the Indian Defence Ministry and GSL was finalized in January 2019.
All four frigates, including the Tushil, are powered by engines sourced from Zorya-Mashproekt, a Ukrainian manufacturer, ensuring uniform propulsion capabilities across the fleet. The significance of this induction cannot be understated, as it aligns with India’s growing emphasis on maritime security amid geopolitical tensions that threaten freedom of navigation within the Indo-Pacific.
The Tushil is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering India’s naval presence, enhancing the country’s ability to secure vital sea lanes and address a range of emerging threats in a region that is becoming increasingly competitive. As the inaugural vessel in a series of four frigates, the Tushil sets the stage for a more formidable Indian Navy, which aims to extend its influence and safeguard strategic interests in waters that are becoming increasingly contested.
Looking ahead, sources indicate that the second frigate from this project is scheduled for delivery within the first four months of the upcoming year, further contributing to India’s naval modernization efforts.
