INS Tushil, the most recent addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet, was officially commissioned at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9, 2024. The event was attended by India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the commissioning as a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and further cementing the enduring relationship between India and Russia. Singh emphasized that the event exemplifies the mutual trust and strategic partnership shared by the two nations.

During his speech, Singh highlighted the increasing “Made in India” content in the construction of the vessel, noting that it underscores the collaborative efforts of both Russian and Indian industries. He remarked, “This ship is a testament to India’s journey towards technological excellence through jointmanship and reflects Russia’s commitment to India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’”

Rajnath Singh had arrived in Russia the day prior to the commissioning ceremony to participate in the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military-Technical Cooperation. Prior to his visit, he took to social media to express his anticipation for attending both the meeting and the commissioning ceremony.

The name Tushil, meaning “protector shield” in Sanskrit, is one of four advanced follow-on frigates India contracted from Russia in 2018. Two of these frigates, including INS Tushil and INS Tamala, are being built in Russia, while the remaining pair is under construction in India with technology transfer agreements in place. This latest addition is an advanced variant of the existing Talwar-class frigates, aimed at enhancing India’s naval capabilities amid increasing maritime threats from neighboring countries, including China and Pakistan.

The commissioning of INS Tushil has attracted considerable attention, particularly because its delivery had faced significant delays—approximately two years behind schedule—originally anticipated for late 2022. These delays were primarily attributed to supply chain disruptions caused by the global pandemic and the ongoing conflict arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Alexey Rakhmanov, the Director-General of the United Shipbuilding Corporation of Russia, noted that logistical challenges in obtaining equipment, alongside payment issues stemming from Western sanctions, had contributed to the holdups.

In a noteworthy detail, Tushil’s gas turbine engines were supplied by Zorya-Mashproekt from Ukraine. Due to complications stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has had to directly procure these engines before sending them back to Russia for installation on the ships. Meanwhile, vessels of the same class being constructed for the Russian Navy have encountered significant setbacks since Ukraine halted engine supplies following the tensions that escalated in 2014.

With INS Tushil’s commissioning, India is taking concrete steps to enhance its maritime capabilities in light of adversarial pressures. The next ship under this contract is expected to be delivered by 2025. Alongside this development, Rajnath Singh’s agenda includes addressing delays in the supply of other significant military equipment during the Inter-Governmental Commission meetings.

The defense minister is anticipated to raise concerns about the notable delays in deliveries of the S-400 air defense systems, and related spare parts for various critical platforms including the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets and T-90S tanks. Earlier statements from India’s Chief of Air Staff confirmed that all S-400 systems ordered from Russia are now projected for delivery by 2025. Initial expectations had positioned the completion of these deliveries for either 2023 or 2024, but the conflict in Ukraine has necessitated adjustments in Russian military operational priorities, leading to delays.

The payment process has also proven contentious, complicating timely deliveries of defense systems for India. Instances of deferred payments, estimated at approximately $3 billion, have occurred as India navigates sanctions risks associated with the U.S. laws under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The shifting global financial landscape has particularly challenged transactions, as Russia finds itself cut off from the international SWIFT banking system.

Additionally, discussions are underway regarding potential joint production of aero engines for the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft in the backdrop of previous reports of delays in part supplies from Russia, exacerbating operational readiness for the Indian Air Force.

India’s strategic pivot, while maintaining its longstanding defense ties with Russia, reflects its urgency in addressing security concerns along its borders amidst the prolonged Ukraine conflict. As tensions persist, New Delhi is increasingly vocal about its need for timely delivery of critical military hardware from Moscow, echoing a sense of impatience in the face of ongoing supply disruptions.

In a significant development for Indo-Russian defense cooperation, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India and Russia are set to embark on a new era of collaboration across several advanced sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Space Exploration, and Counter-Terrorism. This statement came during a recent event where the Defense Minister expressed optimism about leveraging mutual expertise for enhanced strategic outcomes.

The occasion was marked by the launch of the INS Tushil, an upgraded Krivak III class frigate, which exemplifies the deepening ties between the two nations. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi lauded the efforts of all personnel involved in the project, particularly the shipyard workers from both nations, as well as the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). He highlighted their exceptional work, noting the seamless integration of Indian systems with Russian technology, which has significantly contributed to the project’s advancements in quality and capability.

The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, the Governor of Kaliningrad, Alexey Sergeyevich Besprozvannykh, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev. Additionally, Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, and Commander of the Baltic Fleet, Vice Admiral Vladimir Vorobyov, were present, along with other senior representatives from both Indian and Russian government sectors, navies, and industries.

INS Tushil is noteworthy as the seventh ship in the Project 1135.6 series, following the successful service of three Talwar-class vessels and three Teg-class ships. The contract for this upgraded frigate was signed in October 2016 between Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy, and the government of India. The ship is engineered for blue water operations, capable of engaging in diverse naval warfare scenarios through air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains.

Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, INS Tushil boasts advanced capabilities including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically-launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles with enhanced ranges, and sophisticated anti-submarine systems. The ship can also embark the improved Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters, which serve as substantial force multipliers.

In terms of performance, INS Tushil is powered by a state-of-the-art gas turbine propulsion system that enables her to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots. The high level of automation and stealth features built into the frigate further bolster its combat effectiveness and survivability on the battlefield.

The vessel’s keel was laid on July 12, 2013, and it was launched in October 2021. After comprehensive sea trials, including Factory trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials, INS Tushil successfully completed its rigorous testing and is expected to arrive in India in a near combat-ready state by the end of this month. Commanded by Captain Peter Varghese, a specialist in gunnery and missile operations, the frigate signifies a substantial upgrade in India’s maritime capabilities and reinforces the strategic defense collaboration with Russia.

During a significant commissioning ceremony in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9, 2024, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a new chapter in India-Russia cooperation, emphasizing the potential collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, space exploration, and counter-terrorism. This announcement coincided with the formal induction of INS Tushil, a stealth guided missile frigate, into the Indian Navy.

Singh highlighted Russia’s crucial role in supporting India’s vision for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), illustrating the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. He pointed out that the indigenous manufacturing component in vessels like INS Tushil has been steadily rising, signifying a collaborative success between Indian and Russian industries. The Defence Minister characterized this development as a testament to India’s advancement towards technological self-sufficiency achieved through international partnership.

The commissioning ceremony featured a joint Guard of Honour, showcasing the camaraderie between the Indian Navy and Russia’s Baltic Fleet. Captain Peter Varghese, the commanding officer designate of INS Tushil, accepted the ceremonial ship’s baton from his Russian counterpart and formally read the Commissioning Warrant issued by the Chief of Naval Staff. The event culminated with the hoisting of the Indian Naval ensign.

INS Tushil represents an upgraded Krivak III class frigate from Project 1135.6, becoming the seventh vessel in a series that includes several operational ships already constructed, such as the Talwar and Teg class frigates. The ship was part of a bilateral agreement signed in October 2016, which entails the construction of four stealth frigates, two in Russia and two at Goa Shipyard Limited under a technology transfer arrangement. The additional second frigate, Tamal, is anticipated to be delivered in early 2025, despite prior delays caused by the COVID pandemic and geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Addressing the broader maritime strategy, Singh reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He noted that the Navy has successfully thwarted threats from piracy and smuggling while playing a crucial role in safeguarding maritime trade routes stretching from the Gulf of Oman to the Malacca Strait. Singh emphasized the Indian Navy’s readiness to respond to humanitarian crises and provide disaster relief in the region.

INS Tushil is designed for comprehensive naval warfare, featuring advanced operational capabilities in air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. The vessel is armed with an array of state-of-the-art weaponry, including the jointly-developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically-launched Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles, enhanced anti-air and surface guns, and anti-submarine weaponry, alongside sophisticated electronic warfare systems. It also has the capacity to deploy upgraded anti-submarine helicopters, ensuring versatility in various operational contexts.

The ship’s keel was laid on July 12, 2013, launched in October 2021, and successfully completed extensive trials before its delivery acceptance in late September 2024. According to the Navy, INS Tushil is set to arrive in India fully combat-ready, highlighting a significant milestone in enhancing India’s maritime defense capabilities.

In a significant development for India’s naval capabilities, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has emphasized the crucial role that nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) play in the country’s defense strategy. He noted that these submarines constitute the third key component of India’s nuclear triad, underlining their importance as deterrents against potential adversaries.

Currently, India operates two nuclear submarines—the INS Arihant and the recently commissioned INS Arighat. To bolster its naval strength further, India is developing a strategic naval base focused on nuclear submarines, known as Project INS Varsha. This facility, located near the coastal village of Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, is projected to become fully operational by 2025-2026.

As regional tensions heighten, particularly with neighboring China—home to the largest navy in the world—India is advancing its nuclear submarine program to enhance its maritime defense capabilities. Admiral Tripathi confirmed that India plans to launch its first indigenous nuclear attack submarine by 2036, with a second expected to follow in two years. The estimated cost of constructing these initial submarines is around Rs 35,000 crore (approximately $4.5 billion).

The anticipated INS Varsha submarine base is expected to play a vital role in supporting both current and future submarines within the Indian Navy. Once operational, it will significantly boost India’s naval tactics and operations, especially within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the contentious South China Sea. The Indian Navy aims to acquire a total of six nuclear attack submarines, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving the construction of the first two indigenous submarines in October 2024.

Describing the strategic initiative as a “game changer,” Admiral Tripathi highlighted that this project would not only elevate the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy but also strengthen the domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem. This aligns with India’s broader ‘Make in India’ initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance in defense production over the next five years.

Reflecting on the country’s growing technological prowess, Admiral Tripathi pointed out India’s capacity to design and manufacture intricate defense structures. The upcoming submarine project is expected to mirror the successful model implemented during the development of India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

India’s foray into developing indigenous nuclear-powered submarines started with the commissioning of the INS Arihant in August 2016, followed by the INS Arighat in August 2024. The third submarine, INS Aridhaman, is set to be commissioned by the end of 2025, marking a decisive step in enhancing India’s naval defense strategy and operational readiness.

In a significant development for the Indian Navy, the Russian-manufactured guided missile frigate INS Tushil was officially commissioned in a ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and other senior officials from India, attended the event that highlighted the growing military collaboration between India and Russia.

INS Tushil is poised to enhance India’s operational capabilities in the strategically vital Indian Ocean, a region that has seen an increase in activities by China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy in recent years. The commissioning of the ship is viewed as a critical step towards strengthening India’s maritime defense posture.

This warship forms part of a broader agreement worth over USD 2.5 billion, signed by New Delhi with Moscow in 2016, which involves the construction of four stealth frigates tailored for the Indian Navy. Under the terms of the deal, two frigates are being built in Russia, while the remaining two vessels will be manufactured in India.

During the commissioning ceremony, Minister Singh emphasized that this development represents a proud moment for India’s maritime aspirations and a noteworthy milestone in the enduring bilateral relations with Russia. He remarked, “The ship is a big proof of the collaborative prowess of Russian and Indian industries. It exemplifies India’s journey towards technological excellence through jointmanship.” Singh also indicated that India and Russia are set to embark on a “new era” of cooperation, particularly in domains such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, space exploration, and counter-terrorism.

The construction of INS Tushil has been closely overseen by a dedicated team of Indian specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team stationed in Kaliningrad. The ship, weighing 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, embodies a powerful blend of advanced Russian and Indian technologies. Officials have pointed out that the ship is designed with improved stealth features and enhanced stability characteristics.

A notable aspect of INS Tushil is its increased indigenous component, with Indian contributions to its construction reaching an impressive 26 percent, thanks to collaboration between Indian naval specialists and the Severnoye Design Bureau. Major Indian defense companies involved in the project include BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, and Elcome Marine, among others.

INS Tushil is classified as an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6, symbolizing years of hard work and dedication by countless shipyard workers and various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from both Russia and India. This milestone underscores the deepening defense ties between the two nations and marks a key enhancement in India’s naval capabilities.

In a significant display of Indo-Russian cooperation, the Indian Navy has officially commissioned the INS Tushil, the seventh frigate of Project 11356, during a ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event was graced by high-ranking officials from both nations, including India’s Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh. The name “Tushil,” which translates to “the protector shield,” is complemented by a crest that symbolizes ‘Abhedya Kavacham,’ or the impenetrable shield, reflecting the ship’s purpose and the joint defense commitments between India and Russia.

The INS Tushil is part of a broader program wherein Russia has built several frigates for India, underscoring the enduring defense ties between the two countries. The first trio of vessels—Talwar, Trishul, and Tabar—was completed and handed over in the early 2000s, followed by three additional ships—Teg, Tarkash, and Trikand—delivered between 2012 and 2013. Currently, the Yantar shipyard is engaged in the construction of two modernized frigates recognized as Project 11356M: INS Tushil and Tamala, the latter still in the outfitting stage.

Interestingly, the development of the Tushil and Tamala was initially intended for the Russian Navy. However, sanctions and embargoes on critical components like the gas turbines, primarily due to geopolitical tensions following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, had a significant impact on their production. This interruption led to a reconsideration of their fate, with India stepping in to procure the unfinished units, thus paving the way for enhanced defense collaboration.

Minister Singh highlighted Russia’s significant contributions to India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), emphasizing the increasing indigenous content in ships like the INS Tushil. He remarked on the ship as a testament to the collaborative potential of Indian and Russian industries, marking a significant advancement in India’s defense technology capabilities.

The technological journey of the Tushil reflects a blend of Russian hull construction and Ukrainian propulsion systems. The frigates, originally meant for the Russian Black Sea Fleet, faced production setbacks due to the disruption of key supply chains essential for their completion. In a strategic response, India secured an agreement with Ukraine to obtain the necessary turbines, and a contract was established with Russia for licensing the construction of additional Project 11356M frigates at Goa Shipyard Limited.

The propulsion units for the nearly completed frigates were delivered by Zorya-Mashproekt, consisting of advanced gas turbines engineered for high performance. The development of the INS Tushil marks a significant evolution from previous iterations, with an estimated 26% of its systems sourced from Indian manufacturers, a figure that looks to rise significantly as future projects progress.

The roots of the frigate’s design trace back to Cold War-era Soviet ships, demonstrating a legacy that blends both defense history and contemporary needs. With advancements in technology and increased Indian contributions to the frigate’s systems, the INS Tushil not only stands as a formidable naval asset but also as a symbol of strengthened diplomatic and military ties between India and Russia, heralding a new chapter in collaborative defense endeavors.