In a landmark event for India’s maritime defense capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, in the Russian city of Kaliningrad. The commissioning ceremony, scheduled to take place on Monday, will see the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside senior officials from both India and Russia.
INS Tushil is poised to join the Western Fleet and is regarded as one of the most advanced frigates globally. This commissioning not only underscores India’s growing naval capabilities but also highlights the enduring partnership between India and Russia, especially in the defense sector. The frigate is expected to enhance India’s operational ability in the Indian Ocean, a critical region that has seen increased activity from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in recent years.
The warship is a product of a substantial defense agreement valued at over USD 2.5 billion, which India signed with Russia in 2016. This deal encompasses the construction of four stealth frigates, two to be built in Russia and the other two to be manufactured in India. The construction of INS Tushil has been closely overseen by an Indian team from the ‘Warship Overseeing Team’ stationed in Kaliningrad, ensuring compliance with Indian defense specifications.
The frigate, weighing 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, boasts significant firepower and blends cutting-edge technologies from both Russian and Indian manufacturers. Its design incorporates enhanced stealth features and improved stability attributes, making it a formidable presence at sea. Notably, the indigenous content of the warship has reached an impressive 26%, reflecting the effective collaboration between Indian naval specialists and the Severnoye Design Bureau.
Major Indian defense firms, including BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, and others have played pivotal roles in the frigate’s construction, demonstrating a robust partnership in defense manufacturing. INS Tushil represents the upgraded version of the Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6 and is a testament to the hard work of hundreds of shipyard workers and various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from both nations.
Since January of this year, INS Tushil has undergone rigorous trials, including factory sea trials, state committee trials, and delivery acceptance trials completed by a team of Indian specialists. These trials have validated the performance of all installed Russian equipment, including weapon systems. During the trials, the frigate demonstrated impressive performance metrics, including speeds exceeding 30 knots. Following these successful tests, the ship is expected to arrive in India in a near combat-ready state, ready to operationally engage at short notice.
The name “Tushil,” meaning “the protector shield,” and its accompanying crest symbolize an “Abhedya Kavacham” (impenetrable shield). The frigate’s motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), reinforces the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and maintains its readiness to defend India’s maritime frontiers vigorously.
