The Indian Navy is set to enhance its combat capabilities with the upcoming commissioning of its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil. The ceremonial event, scheduled to take place in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9, will be graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the Chief Guest. The occasion will also see the presence of senior officials from both the Russian and Indian governments, highlighting the significance of this milestone in naval cooperation between the two nations.
INS Tushil, measuring 125 meters and weighing 3,900 tons, embodies a formidable combination of Russian and Indian advanced technologies along with best practices in warship construction. The Indian Navy has underscored the frigate’s sophisticated design, which imbues it with enhanced stealth capabilities and improved stability. The indigenous content of the vessel has impressively reached 26%, with the systems manufactured in India more than doubling to a total of 33, demonstrating a robust collaboration between Indian naval specialists and Russia’s Severnoye Design Bureau.
An Indian oversight team has been actively involved in the frigate’s construction, monitoring the project closely from Kaliningrad under the guidance of the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Major Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) contributing to the ship’s development include BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Tata’s Nova Integrated Systems, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India, among others.
INS Tushil is classified under the advanced Krivak III class frigate, part of Project 1135.6, marking it as the seventh vessel in this series. It follows the earlier construction of three Talwar-class frigates and three Teg-class ships. Notably, INS Tushil is the first of two upgraded follow-on frigates that were contracted in October 2016 between the Indian Navy, the Government of India, and the Russian state agency JSC Rosoboronexport.
The frigate’s construction has been a collaborative effort, with extensive trials conducted since January this year. These trials included factory sea tests, state committee evaluations, and acceptance trials, all overseen by a dedicated team of Indian specialists. The rigorous testing, which involved weapon firings and verification of onboard Russian equipment, confirmed that the ship can exceed speeds of 30 knots and is ready to operate effectively upon its arrival in India.
The name “Tushil” is derived from the concept of a “protector shield,” complemented by its crest which embodies “Abhedya Kavacham,” or “impenetrable shield.” The vessel’s motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding maritime interests.
Once commissioned, INS Tushil will join the prestigious Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This fleet, often referred to as the “Sword Arm” of the Navy, plays a pivotal role in maritime operations under the Western Naval Command. With its cutting-edge technology and design, INS Tushil is anticipated to stand as one of the most advanced frigates globally, symbolizing India’s expanding naval capabilities.
Moreover, the commissioning of INS Tushil not only signifies an enhancement in the operational strength of the Indian Navy but also highlights the longstanding partnership between India and Russia in defense and military cooperation. As a state-of-the-art warship, INS Tushil is poised to become a vital asset, reinforcing the Navy’s dedication to protecting India’s maritime frontiers.
