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.

The Indian Navy has recently welcomed its newest warship, INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth frigate weighing 3,900 tonnes, during a commissioning ceremony held in Kaliningrad. The event was marked by remarks from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who emphasized the significance of this milestone in enhancing bilateral defense relations between India and Russia. Singh highlighted the potential for further collaboration in “new and unexplored areas” including artificial intelligence, cyber-security, space exploration, and counterterrorism.

The minister’s statements underscored a vision of a new era of cooperation, as both nations look to leverage their respective expertise. He pointed out that the ongoing ‘Made in India’ initiative is increasingly reflected in the ships being constructed, including INS Tushil, showcasing the collaborative efforts of Indian and Russian industries.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi praised the dedication and skill of the workers at the Yantar shipyard and acknowledged the seamless integration of Indian systems with Russian technology, which has contributed to enhanced capabilities in the frigate’s design and construction.

INS Tushil is an advanced version of the Krivak-III class frigate, designed for operations across the full spectrum of naval warfare, excelling in air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. This 125-metre long vessel is equipped with an array of cutting-edge weaponry, including the jointly-developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically-launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles, and upgraded medium-range anti-air guns. Complementing these weapons, the ship also features advanced electronic warfare and communication systems.

The frigate is designed for high performance with the ability to reach speeds in excess of 30 knots and the capacity to deploy advanced airborne platforms such as the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters, which are critical for anti-submarine warfare and early-warnings operations.

The acquisition of INS Tushil is part of a larger collaboration outlined in an agreement signed in October 2018, which includes plans for four upgraded Krivak-III class frigates. The first two frigates are being imported from Russia at an estimated cost of around Rs 8,000 crore, while the remaining two, including INS Tushil, are being constructed at Goa Shipyard under a technology transfer agreement, with an overall expenditure projected at around Rs 13,000 crore. The first of these locally constructed vessels was launched as Triput in July this year.

This commissioning not only complements India’s existing fleet—which already includes six Russian frigates (three Talwar-class and three Teg-class) inducted between 2003 and 2004—but also reflects an ongoing commitment to modernizing and strengthening the country’s naval capabilities through international partnerships.

With the Tricolour fluttering from its bow, the F-70 INS Tushil has officially joined the Indian Navy as the latest addition. The guided missile stealth frigate was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a ceremonial event held in Kaliningrad, a significant Russian port city on December 9. The ship’s name, Tushil, translates to “the protector shield,” and it carries a crest that symbolizes “Abhedya Kavacham,” or the impenetrable shield, accompanied by the motto “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel,” which means fearless, indomitable, resolute.

During the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Singh highlighted the importance of the new vessel as a proud testament to India’s expanding maritime capabilities. He was joined by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi and several other dignitaries from both Russia and India. Singh also emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation between India and Russia, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence and counter-terrorism, marking a new era in bilateral relations.

INS Tushil is classified as an upgraded Krivak III class frigate, part of Project 1135.6, which currently includes six other vessels already in service; three of these belong to the Talwar class, constructed at Baltiysky Shipyard in St. Petersburg, while the three Teg class ships were built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. As the seventh vessel in this series, INS Tushil is the first of two additional follow-on ships, with its construction overseen by an Indian team of specialists based in Kaliningrad under the auspices of the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

Initially laid down in July 2013 under the name Admiral Butakov, INS Tushil was part of a procurement deal worth Rs 8,000 crore finalized by India’s Ministry of Defence in October 2018, which involved obtaining two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates from Russia. The second vessel, previously known as Admiral Istomin, has been christened INS Tamala.

The construction of the warship involved collaboration between various Russian and Indian equipment manufacturers, with the indigenous content being augmented to 26 percent and the number of Indian-made systems increasing to 33. Key Indian agencies contributing to the ship’s equipment include BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India.

The post-construction phase included extensive trials starting in January, covering factory sea trials, state committee trials, and delivery acceptance trials conducted by Indian specialists. These assessments tested all Russian equipment on board, including various weapon systems, with the ship achieving an impressive speed of over 30 knots, approximately 56 km/h.

Frigates, such as INS Tushil, serve as well-armed warships specializing in anti-submarine and anti-air operations, typically providing escort duties to protect naval fleets and critical sea lanes. While they are generally smaller than destroyers, modern frigates possess significant offensive capabilities, often blurring the lines between the two classifications.

Historically, the Indian Navy has employed frigate-like vessels since ancient times, with the Maratha forces utilizing ships such as the Grab and Gallivat to extend their naval power. The modern frigate era in India began in the early 1920s with the British commissioning ships like HMIS Clive and HMIS Lawrence into the Royal Indian Navy. Since then, frigates have remained a vital component of the Indian Navy’s surface combatant fleet, transitioning from primarily Western to Russian designs in the late 20th century, and now integrating increasingly indigenous construction capabilities.

INS Tushil, measuring 125 meters and weighing 3,900 tons, boasts a formidable array of advanced Russian and Indian technologies. This state-of-the-art warship features enhanced stealth and stability, drawing comparisons to the Indian Navy’s largest destroyer, INS Kolkata, which is 163 meters long and displaces 7,500 tons. The new frigate will be manned by a crew of 180, including 18 officers.

Armament on board includes eight BrahMos vertically launched anti-ship cruise missiles, 24 medium-range and eight short-range surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm gun, and two close-in weapons systems for last-ditch defense against incoming threats. Additionally, it is equipped with double torpedo tubes and a rocket launcher for anti-submarine warfare, along with an array of advanced radars, navigation systems, sonar, electronic warfare equipment, fire control systems, and decoys.

Following the induction of INS Tushil, the Indian Navy continues to operate a total of 12 frigates, including three Shivalik class, six Talwar/Teg class, and three Brahmaputra class vessels, along with 18 submarines, two aircraft carriers, 12 destroyers, and 18 corvettes. More warships are currently on order as part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernization and expansion efforts.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially commissioned the latest addition to the Indian Navy, the multi-role, stealth-guided missile frigate INS Tushil, at a ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event took place on December 9 as part of Singh’s official visit to Russia from December 8 to 10. His visit includes co-chairing the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MT), alongside his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov, scheduled for December 10 in Moscow.

INS Tushil is an upgraded version of the Krivak III class frigate from Project 1135.6, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the seventh ship in this series. This new frigate follows a total of six already in active service: three Talwar Class vessels manufactured at the Baltiysky shipyard in St. Petersburg and three Teg Class ships built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. INS Tushil is notable for being the first of two additional upgraded frigates resulting from a contract signed in October 2016 between the JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy, and the Indian government.

The construction of INS Tushil was closely supervised by a dedicated team of Indian specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team, stationed in Kaliningrad under the auspices of the Indian Embassy in Moscow. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, the vessel measures 125 meters in length and weighs 3,900 tonnes, showcasing advanced technology fusion from both Russia and India and leveraging best practices in warship design.

The new design of INS Tushil provides it with enhanced stealth capabilities and improved stability features. With a notable increase in indigenous content to 26%, the ship incorporates over 33 ‘Made-in-India’ systems, more than doubling the contribution from Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Key Indian companies involved in the development included BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India.

Starting from January earlier in the year, INS Tushil underwent a rigorous test schedule. This included factory sea trials, state committee assessments, and ultimately delivery acceptance trials overseen by a team of Indian specialists. During these trials, the frigate achieved impressive speed, exceeding 30 knots.

INS Tushil is set to arrive in India in a nearly combat-ready state and is described as prepared to “deliver its effects from the word go.” The name ‘Tushil’ translates to ‘the protector shield,’ and the ship’s crest symbolizes ‘Abhedya Kavacham,’ or ‘impenetrable shield.’ Its motto, ‘Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel’ (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), embodies the Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

With this commissioning, INS Tushil joins the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s ‘Sword Arm.’

INS Tushil (F70), the newest addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet as a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was officially commissioned at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, in a ceremony that underscored the enduring partnership between India and Russia. The event was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who emphasized the significance of this commissioning as a reflection of India’s expanding maritime capabilities.

During his speech, Minister Singh hailed the occasion as a proud milestone in the historical camaraderie between the two nations. He noted that the relationship is founded on shared values, mutual trust, and a special strategic partnership that continues to evolve. The Defence Minister also acknowledged Russia’s pivotal role in supporting India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, underscoring the collaborative spirit that fuels both Indian and Russian industries.

Singh highlighted the increasing “Made in India” content in several naval vessels, including INS Tushil, as a testament to joint efforts in achieving technological advancements. He underscored this ship as a symbol of the fruitful collaboration between Indian and Russian industries, showcasing India’s path towards technological excellence through international cooperation.

The Defence Minister further emphasized the strong ties that exist between the Indian and Russian navies, noting that technical and operational partnerships continue to reach new heights. He attributed this positive trajectory to the proactive engagement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which further strengthens their bilateral relations.

Mr. Singh reiterated the Indian Navy’s dedication to maintaining peace and security within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He pointed out the Navy’s successful operations against piracy, drug smuggling, and non-state actors in various maritime hotspots. From the Gulf of Oman to the Gulf of Aden and beyond, the Indian Navy has established itself as a crucial security provider, ensuring that maritime trade routes remain safe and secure.

Additionally, the Defence Minister stated that the Indian Navy is always prepared to offer rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to allies in the region, highlighting its role as a first responder in times of crisis.

Reinforcing his commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), Singh characterized this vision as the cornerstone of India’s maritime policy aimed at fostering peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the IOR. He described SAGAR as a reflection of India’s dedication to collective security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development, a commitment that has always been supported by Russia.

In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi expressed his congratulations to all parties involved in the INS Tushil project. He especially recognized the efforts of the shipyard workers and the contributions of both Russian and Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers, commending their work on the integration of Indian systems with Russian technology, ultimately leading to significant quality upgrades within the project.