The Indian Navy is set to enhance its maritime capabilities with the induction of its newest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, at a commissioning ceremony in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9. The event will see the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by senior officials from both Indian and Russian governments and defense sectors.
INS Tushil is the seventh vessel in the upgraded Krivak III class of Project 1135.6 frigates, underscoring a significant development in naval cooperation between India and Russia. This ship is also noteworthy as it is the first of two additional frigates being constructed under a landmark agreement signed in 2016 between the two nations. The frigate has been built at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and has successfully completed extensive testing, including Factory Sea Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials. Impressively, it achieved a top speed surpassing 30 knots during these evaluations.
Measuring 125 meters in length and displacing 3,900 tonnes, INS Tushil integrates advanced technologies from both India and Russia. Notably, Indian components comprise 26 percent of its total construction, highlighting the growing involvement of Indian defense companies in key projects. Renowned firms such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited, and Nova Integrated Systems have played pivotal roles in the frigate’s development.
The name Tushil translates to “protector shield,” symbolizing its mission and role within the Navy. Its motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), reflects the ship’s intended operational ethos. Once it is officially commissioned, INS Tushil will join the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, further enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities and reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
