On December 9, India marked a significant enhancement of its naval capabilities with the commissioning of the INS Tushil at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ceremony was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the frigate as a “proud testament” to India’s expanding maritime strength and labeled the event a “significant milestone” in the enduring partnership between India and Russia.

The INS Tushil, which translates to “protector shield” in Sanskrit, is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 11356. It is poised to bolster the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy as it makes its way to India nearly ready for combat operations. According to naval officials, the vessel is among the most technologically advanced frigates globally.

The project timeline illustrates a robust journey: the ship’s keel was laid on July 12, 2013, with its launch occurring in October 2021. It embarked on its maiden sea trials in January and completed a rigorous suite of Factory and State Committee Trials, culminating in its Delivery Acceptance Trials by September 2024. The frigate has passed all required testing phases, including successful firing trials of its Russian weapon systems.

Project 11356 refers to the Talwar-class frigates designed for the Indian Navy, with the INS Tushil being a more advanced version of the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates in use by Russia. Between 1999 and 2013, Russia delivered six such frigates to India. The deal for the INS Tushil was finalized in October 2016, with initial expectations for its delivery by the end of 2022. However, delays in the supply chain, as explained by Alexey Rakhmanov of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, pushed back the timeline.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the INS Tushil is its reliance on Ukrainian-engineered components. The warship is powered by engines supplied by Zorya Mashproekt, a Ukrainian company renowned for its marine gas turbine production, which has become crucial amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This development has highlighted India’s strategic maneuvering; as production ties with Russia faced interruptions, India successfully negotiated an inter-governmental agreement to procure the engines directly from Ukraine to ensure the project’s progress.

The vessel’s name embodies its intended operational ethos, with its crest symbolizing the “impenetrable shield” and carrying the motto “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel,” which translates to fearless, indomitable, and resolute.

Expected to make waves in the Indian Navy’s capabilities, the INS Tushil is a 125-meter long ship with a displacement of 3,900 tons. It boasts impressive specifications that allow it to maintain a speed exceeding 30 knots. It is designed for stealth and is equipped with an array of advanced weaponry, including eight BrahMos vertically launched anti-ship cruise missiles, numerous surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm gun, and defensive systems to tackle missile incursions. Moreover, the vessel features double torpedo tubes and a rocket launcher for submarine engagements, complemented by a sophisticated suite of radars, navigation aids, sonar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Experts forecast that the INS Tushil will significantly enhance India’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean, providing an essential counter to China’s rising naval power in the region. As the Chinese navy continues to expand, some analysts suggest its combat readiness may challenge previous perceptions of US naval superiority.

Indeed, the commissioning of INS Tushil aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing a blend of indigenous and global technological advancements designed to meet contemporary security challenges and reinforce India’s strategic interests in an increasingly intricate geopolitical landscape.

KOLLAM: A ceremony to honor Second Lieutenant Radha Mohan Naresh, a distinguished soldier who lost his life during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, is set to take place in Kollam. The Indian Army will unveil a statue and memorial dedicated to Lt Naresh, a native of Karunagappally, on revenue land near Ashramam Maidan. The event is scheduled for 10:30 am on Tuesday.

Attendees at the unveiling ceremony will include senior Army officials, local representatives, and the family of Lt Naresh. The ceremony will feature a silent prayer followed by a wreath-laying tribute at the memorial, which also commemorates Naresh’s military contributions. The commander of the Pangode military station will preside over the event.

Joining the ceremony will be Lt Naresh’s siblings—Dr Gopi Mohan Naresh, Praveen Naresh, and Sreekala Rani—alongside members from the District Soldier Welfare Board, officials from the Kollam corporation, and representatives from the district administration and the Jat Regiment.

Efforts were made to invite the governor and the chief minister for their participation in the ceremony; however, Krishna Moorthy, the Defence PRO from Thiruvananthapuram, conveyed that securing appointments with them was unsuccessful. As a result, leadership of the memorial ceremony will fall to the military station commander.

The land for the statue was acquired from the revenue department, and the memorial’s construction was overseen by the Pangode military station, which also sought and received approval from the Kollam corporation for the statue’s erection in Ashramam Maidan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers and to preserve their legacy in the local community.

The Indian Army is set to honor the significant military achievement of capturing Sherqui La, a strategic mountain pass, during the India-Pak War of 1971. This event, which marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, occurred along the Line of Control (LoC) adjacent to the Indus River in the Ladakh region. The assault on Sherqui La followed the successful seizure of Point 13,620, a critical feature in the area.

The military operation began on December 9, 1971, with troops focusing on Point 13,620, and culminated in the early hours of December 15 when Sherqui La was ultimately seized. The Leh-based 14 Corps of the Indian Army announced the upcoming commemoration via X, stating that "The 9th battalion of J&K Militia of the Indian Army captured one of the most important enemy posts opposite Indus Sherqui La."

A special event is scheduled for December 15 this year, where the victory will be celebrated in Silmo village, located in the Batalik region of Ladakh. The 9th J&K Militia played a critical role in these operations, which later saw the unit rebranded as J&K Rifles in 1972.

Point 13,620, noted for its commanding position in the Kargil sector, overlooks vital routes, including the Srinagar-Leh axis and parts of the Kargil-Batalik road. The significance of this strategic point was underscored in a book titled Defence of the East lies in the West: Pakistan’s Miscalculations, published by the think tank Centre for Land Warfare Studies. The volume makes mention of Major General SP Malhotra, the General Officer Commanding of the 3 Infantry Division, who made the strategic decision to accelerate the timeline for the capture of Point 13,620 by two days.

Following the successful capture of Point 13,620, the 9 J&K Militia was given the important task of taking Sherqui La, a pass situated at an elevation of 14,900 feet, which consisted of six enemy-held posts. This commemoration serves not only as a reminder of the tactical ingenuity and bravery displayed during the conflict but also as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the soldiers who fought valiantly in that challenging terrain.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has expressed strong disapproval of the Indian Army’s practices compelling its officers to seek judicial intervention for entitlements, underscoring that such actions jeopardize fairness and a sense of equity in service matters. The remarks came as a part of the court’s ruling which mandated the Army to provide permanent commission to Lieutenant Colonel Suprita Chandel, who had been previously denied the chance to participate in a departmental examination due to a regulatory amendment enacted in 2013.

The bench, comprising justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan, emphasized that the Army had neglected to extend benefits from a prior judicial decision to other officers in comparable situations. They emphasized the principle that benefits granted in legal cases should extend to all similarly situated individuals without necessitating further court intervention, encapsulating their view with the adage, “What is sauce for the goose ought to be sauce for the gander.”

Lieutenant Colonel Chandel’s case highlighted significant disparities within the Army’s handling of personnel matters. The court found that she was unjustly excluded from receiving a permanent commission when other officers, facing identical circumstances, were granted relief post a 2014 Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) ruling. The bench reflected on the challenging nature of military service, particularly for soldiers operating in extreme conditions, drawing an analogy to the implications of the Army’s policies that could adversely affect officers like Chandel during their service.

Commissioned in the Army Dental Corps in 2008, Chandel faced age restrictions and educational requirements introduced in 2013 that rendered her ineligible for her final opportunity to appear for the necessary examination. Though other officers received relief from the AFT ruling, Chandel was excluded due to her absence from the original case as she was on maternity leave during that period. Her efforts to appeal to the Army were thwarted, leading to a rejected plea from the AFT in 2022, which drove her to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

The court, in considering her situation, acknowledged her commendable service record, including recognition by the Chief of Army Staff in 2019. The justices articulated that the Army’s failure to extend the benefits from the AFT decision to Chandel amounted to an unreasonable stance. They concluded that she had indeed been incorrectly barred from permanent commission, reinforcing that after eleven years, it would be unjust to subject her to the 2013 eligibility criteria given her current age of nearly 45 years.

Exercising its constitutional authority under Article 142 to ensure complete justice, the Supreme Court decreed that the Army was required to confer permanent commission to Chandel retroactively—backdating her appointment to align with the officers who had benefited from the earlier ruling. In addition, the court instructed the Army to provide her with all related benefits, including arrears, seniority, and promotion, within a four-week timeframe, signaling a notable affirmation of her rights within the armed services.

The Indian Army is set to conclude the application process for the Permanent Commission under the 53rd (10+2) Technical Entry Scheme (TES 53) on November 7. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the official website at joinindianarmy.nic.in. This recruitment initiative aims to fill a total of 90 vacancies within the Indian Army, providing successful candidates an opportunity to undergo a four-year training program.

Upon commissioning, cadets are expected to earn an annual salary in the range of approximately Rs 17-18 lakh, corresponding to Level 10 in the Pay Matrix, which does not include additional benefits such as medical coverage and travel allowances for returning to their hometowns once a year. Candidates seeking more information can refer to the detailed official notification available on the website.

To qualify for this recruitment drive, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. The age limit for male candidates is set between 16½ and 19½ years as of July 1, 2025. This means applicants must have been born between January 2, 2006, and January 1, 2009, inclusive. Furthermore, only unmarried male applicants are permitted to submit their applications.

Regarding educational qualifications, potential candidates must have successfully completed their 10+2 examination or an equivalent qualification with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from recognized education boards. Additionally, all applicants are required to have appeared for the JEE (Mains) examination.

The application process for TES 53 involves several steps. Interested applicants should first visit the official website, then navigate to the ‘Notifications’ section under the ‘Officer Selection’ tab. After selecting ‘Apply Online,’ candidates must fill in their basic information to register. This is followed by completing Part 2, which involves uploading necessary documents before submitting the form. It is recommended that candidates print a copy of the submitted application for their records.

Shortlisted candidates will be selected for further evaluation through the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview process, which is determined based on merit by the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defense (Army). Selected individuals will undergo an interview, in addition to medical and physical fitness tests.

For further details, candidates are encouraged to visit the official website, ensuring they have all necessary information at hand before the application window closes.

India’s latest stealth missile frigate, INS Tushil, was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ceremony took place in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the warship as a proud testament to India’s growing maritime capabilities and a significant milestone in the long-standing ties between India and Russia.

During the ceremony, Singh emphasized the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, highlighting Russia’s support for India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. He noted that the indigenous content of INS Tushil is approximately 26%, which is double that of the previous Teg-class frigates. This increased local manufacturing includes contributions from 33 firms, among them Bharat Electronics Limited, BrahMos Aerospace—an India-Russia joint venture—and Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s subsidiary, Nova Integrated Systems.

INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate from Project 1135.6, joining a fleet that already includes six such vessels. This latest addition is part of a broader $2.5 billion agreement with Russia for the production of four more Krivak/Talwar class stealth frigates. Two of these vessels are under construction at the Yantar shipyard, while two others will be built at Goa Shipyard Limited with technology transferred from Russia. The next frigate, named Tamal, is anticipated to be commissioned into the Indian Navy by mid-2025.

Singh expressed confidence that India and Russia will unlock the full potential of their bilateral cooperation, particularly in new areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, and counter-terrorism. He noted the increasing synergy between the two navies and their commitment to ensuring the safety of maritime trade in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Singh underscored the Indian Navy’s achievements in combating piracy and smuggling, affirming its role as a net security provider in the region.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, Kaliningrad Governor Alexey Sergeyevich Besprozvannykh, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi congratulated the project team for their contributions, particularly highlighting the seamless integration of Indian and Russian technologies.

INS Tushil, with a displacement of 3,900 tonnes, is designed for blue water operations and is equipped for naval warfare across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. Its advanced armaments include BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles with extended ranges, upgraded anti-air and surface guns, and a range of electronic warfare and communication systems. The frigate is also compatible with advanced anti-submarine and early warning helicopters.

After a construction period that began with the keel being laid in July 2013, INS Tushil was launched in October 2021 and completed extensive trials by September 2024, demonstrating impressive speeds exceeding 30 knots. The ship is commanded by Captain Peter Varghese, a specialist in gunnery and missile systems.

As Singh continues his three-day visit to Russia, he is scheduled to co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MT) in Moscow. However, concerns remain about potential impacts of U.S.-led sanctions against Russia, which have complicate some defense projects and procurement of replacement parts for legacy systems. As India forges ahead in its defense endeavors, the commissioning of INS Tushil marks a pivotal moment in enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime security.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has unveiled an innovative virtual reality (VR) training system in partnership with Chitkara University, located near Chandigarh. This cutting-edge system is designed to train newly recruited Agniveers in the complex procedures of aircraft refuelling, streamlining the training process in alignment with the Agniveers’ four-year service commitment.

By utilizing a head-mounted VR device, trainees can immerse themselves in a lifelike virtual environment that simulates various aircraft and their subsystems. This advanced system eliminates the need for physical aircraft for training purposes, allowing recruits to practice the intricate steps involved in the refuelling process without the constraints of real-world logistics. The virtual platform not only facilitates an efficient training regimen but also accelerates the learning curve by allowing multiple rounds of practice in a condensed timeframe.

The initial iteration of this VR system has been specifically developed for training aircrew in helicopter refuelling, though its flexible framework means it can be adapted for use with other aircraft models within the IAF’s extensive inventory. This adaptability is crucial, as different aircraft may have unique refuelling requirements and protocols.

Dr. PK Khosla, currently the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Chitkara University and a former scientist at DRDO-TBRL, led the project alongside Dr. Amanpreet Kaur. Reflecting on the system’s complexity, Dr. Khosla pointed out that aircraft refuelling encompasses a range of intricate tasks, including the movement and positioning of refuelling vehicles in proximity to the aircraft, operating various pumping and control systems, administering anti-freeze additives, ensuring proper grounding procedures, and accurately measuring fuel volumes. Each of these elements involves critical technical, environmental, and safety considerations.

The development of the VR training system was a collaborative effort, taking approximately six months to complete, with continuous input from defence experts. The team meticulously crafted every detail of the helicopter refuelling operation, creating comprehensive 3D models of all components, from fuel couplings to control panels. Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University, confirmed that the successfully developed VR system has now been handed over to the IAF, marking a significant milestone in modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of military training programs.

In a tragic incident along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, an Army jawan lost his life due to a mine blast during a routine patrol on Monday. The soldier, identified as Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta of the 25 Rashtriya Rifles, was engaged in an area domination patrol in the region of Thanedar Tekri when he accidentally stepped on an explosive device hidden in the ground.

Officials confirmed that the explosion occurred during a critical patrolling operation, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by personnel stationed in this volatile region. The impact of the mine blast resulted in the immediate death of the experienced jawan, highlighting the persistent risks associated with military operations in areas riddled with unexploded ordnance.

Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the White Knight Corps, expressed his condolences and paid tribute to Havildar Varikunta. In a heartfelt statement, he acknowledged the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen soldier. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand steadfastly with them in this hour of grief,” the GoC remarked, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to support the family during this devastating time.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges and perils faced by the armed forces in conflict zones, particularly in regions where remnants of conflict continue to pose life-threatening risks to both soldiers and civilians. The Army has vowed to continue their efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the nation, while honoring the sacrifices made by those who serve.

In a tragic incident along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of the Pir Panjal region, an Army soldier lost his life while undertaking an area domination patrol. The deceased has been identified as Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunt, a dedicated member of the Indian Army’s 25 Rashtriya Rifles.

Reports indicate that Havildar Varikunt was injured in an explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a mine, while his team was conducting their patrol in the area. The incident highlights the continued dangers faced by armed forces operating in sensitive and perilous regions.

In the wake of this tragedy, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartfelt tributes to Havildar Varikunt, honoring his ultimate sacrifice. Sinha expressed gratitude for the soldier’s bravery and assured that his contributions would be remembered by the nation. “I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army braveheart Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta. His valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief,” the Lieutenant Governor stated.

Military officials also mourned the loss of Havildar Varikunt. The Army Commander of Northern Command, Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar, along with all ranks of Dhruva Command, paid tribute to the fallen soldier, affirming their support for the grieving family. “Dhruva Command stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” stated the Army in an official release.

Additionally, Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding White Knight Corps, along with his team, expressed their condolences, emphasizing solidarity with the bereaved family. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand steadfastly with them in this hour of grief,” added the statement from White Knight Corps.

The incident underscores the risks faced by military personnel stationed in conflict-prone areas and serves as a reminder of their steadfast commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region. The community mourns this loss as the nation remembers the courage and dedication of those who serve.