The Indian Navy’s latest addition, the guided missile frigate INS Tushil, officially joined the fleet during a commissioning ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event was attended by prominent figures including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and various senior military officials from India.

INS Tushil is anticipated to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy within the strategically crucial Indian Ocean region, especially against the backdrop of growing naval activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy in recent years. This advanced warship is part of a larger agreement that New Delhi established with Moscow in 2016, which involves a deal worth over USD 2.5 billion for the procurement of four stealth frigates. Under the terms of the agreement, two of the frigates are to be constructed in Russia, while the remaining two are slated for manufacture in India.

During his address at the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Singh emphasized that INS Tushil represents a crucial step in reinforcing India’s maritime prowess and marks a significant milestone in the historically close relationship between India and Russia. “The ship serves as a testament to the collaborative strengths of Indian and Russian industries and embodies India’s journey towards achieving technological excellence through joint efforts,” he stated. Singh further articulated that both nations are poised to embark on a “new era” of cooperation across a range of advanced domains, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, and counter-terrorism initiatives.

The construction of INS Tushil was rigorously supervised by a dedicated Indian team known as the ‘Warship Overseeing Team’, who were stationed in Kaliningrad throughout the shipbuilding process. Weighing 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, the frigate boasts a formidable combination of Russian and Indian technologies along with best practices in naval architecture. Officials noted that the new design of the ship includes enhanced stealth features and superior stability characteristics.

The indigenous component of INS Tushil has been bolstered to an impressive 26 percent, thanks to the collaboration of Indian naval experts and Severnoye Design Bureau, along with contributions from major Indian defense firms such as BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India.

INS Tushil is categorized as an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6, representing a culmination of the dedicated efforts of numerous shipyard workers and a myriad of Original Equipment Manufacturers from both Russia and India.

In a significant development underscoring India’s maritime capabilities and its robust ties with Russia, the Indian Navy’s multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, was officially commissioned at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. The event took place with the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who expressed pride in the modernization of the Indian naval fleet during his two-day visit to Russia.

In a tweet following the commissioning ceremony, Singh shared his enthusiasm for witnessing the induction of INS Tushil into the Indian Navy, which now stands as one of the most advanced frigates in the global arena. This warship is set to augment the operational prowess of the Indian Navy, particularly in the Indian Ocean, an area currently marked by increased naval activities from China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.

The commissioning of INS Tushil is part of a broader initiative stemming from a substantial $2.5 billion agreement between India and Russia signed in 2016 for the construction of four stealth frigates. With meticulous oversight, an Indian team stationed at Kaliningrad ensured that the construction adhered to specifications that leverage both Russian and Indian naval technologies.

Weighing in at 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, INS Tushil features advanced stealth capabilities and improved stability, making it a formidable asset for maritime operations. The ship is designed to execute a variety of missions, enhancing the Indian Navy’s strategic reach and response in an increasingly complex security landscape in the region.

The addition of INS Tushil to the Indian Navy’s fleet not only reinforces bilateral defense cooperation between India and Russia but also sends a clear message about India’s intent to strengthen its maritime defenses in the face of evolving regional threats. As a testament to India’s commitment to bolstering its naval strength, the commissioning of this frigate marks a new chapter in the nation’s defense capabilities.

The Indian Navy has announced an opportunity for aspiring candidates through the Plus Two (BTech) Cadet Entry Scheme, with applications currently open for 36 vacancies in the Executive and Technical Branch. This initiative is aimed at unmarried men and women who wish to serve as Permanent Commissioned Officers in the Navy.

Applications can be submitted online from December 6 to December 20, 2024. Candidates will be selected based on their performance in the JEE Main 2024 (BE/B.Tech) Common Rank List. To be eligible, applicants must be born between January 2, 2006, and July 1, 2008.

In terms of educational qualifications, candidates need to have completed Plus Two or an equivalent examination, achieving a minimum of 70% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Additionally, they must have obtained at least 50% marks in English during their Class 10 or Plus Two education.

Those who are selected will enter the BTech program at the Ezhimala Naval Academy. Following the successful completion of the course, participants will be appointed as Permanent Commissioned Officers in the Indian Navy, with the program set to commence in July 2025.

For more detailed information and to initiate the application process, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official website at www.joinindiannavy.gov.in. This scheme provides a significant pathway for young individuals driven by a desire to embark on a fulfilling career with the Indian Navy.

The Indian Army has unveiled an innovative aerial system known as the Kharga Kamikaze drone, marking a significant advancement in its capabilities for intelligence and surveillance missions. This high-speed, lightweight drone is designed to reach speeds of 40 meters per second and has been developed to enhance the Army’s operational readiness.

Weighing in at a cost-effective Rs 30,000, the Kharga drone can carry approximately 700 grams of explosives. This feature empowers it to execute precise strikes against enemy targets. The drone is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology and a high-definition camera, enhancing its utility in reconnaissance missions. Notably, it incorporates countermeasures to combat electromagnetic spectrum jamming, allowing it to operate effectively within a range of 1.5 kilometers, even in contested environments.

The Kharga drone operates as a “suicide” drone, capable of carrying out targeted attacks on enemy forces while effectively evading radar detection. This tactical approach has gained prominence in recent conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, where similar unmanned aerial vehicles have been employed to significant effect.

In a related development, the Kharga Corps of the Indian Army recently completed a two-day integrated field firing exercise named ‘Kharga Shakti’ at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges. The exercise aimed to test and validate the effectiveness of combined arms operations in a simulated battlefield environment. During this intensive training session, the troops showcased their combat readiness through live firing drills, tactical maneuvers, and air support operations. They incorporated cutting-edge technology, such as swarm drones, loitering munition systems, quadcopters, and logistic drones, further highlighting the Army’s commitment to modern warfare techniques.

Lieutenant General Pushkar, who engaged with the troops during the exercise, underscored the Armed Forces’ dedication to maintaining high operational readiness and excellence. He praised the soldiers for their exceptional professionalism and conveyed his confidence in the Kharga Corps as a formidable force for future operations along the western front.

The ‘Kharga Shakti’ exercise and the introduction of the Kharga Kamikaze drone collectively reflect the Indian Army’s strategic focus on enhancing its combat capabilities, ensuring it remains prepared for evolving threats and challenges in the modern battlefield.

In a significant security development, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, successfully thwarted a potential terror attack by recovering an improvised explosive device (IED) along National Highway-1 near Palhalan in Baramulla. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the recovery and subsequent destruction of the IED, highlighting their ongoing commitment to maintaining safety and security in the Kashmir region. A spokesperson from the Chinar Corps stated, “Chinar Warriors and J&K Police averted a major terror incident today. The Indian Army remains resolute in its commitment to keep Kashmir terror-free.”

In a proactive measure following the detection of suspicious activity involving three individuals, security forces initiated a search operation in Hiranagar town, located in the Kathua district. The operation, which began on Sunday night, involved a coordinated effort among various security agencies, including the Army, Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Senior Superintendent of Police Kathua, Shobhit Saxena, provided updates on the extensive search efforts being conducted to ensure community safety.

In a separate turn of events, two police personnel were tragically found dead from gunshot wounds inside a police vehicle in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities reported that an AK-47 rifle was implicated in the incident, prompting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.

Last week, security forces engaged in a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Dachhigam forest area of Srinagar. Responding to specific intelligence, the forces launched a cordon-and-search operation that escalated into a gunfight when the terrorists opened fire. In the ensuing exchange, one terrorist was neutralized, underscoring the ongoing confrontations between security forces and armed groups operating in the region.

Additionally, on December 3, two women suspected of being terror associates were detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Udhampur district, reflecting the sustained efforts of authorities to dismantle networks supporting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The ongoing operations by security forces signify a determined approach towards combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilians in the volatile environment of the region.

The Indian Navy’s long-anticipated project to acquire conventionally powered submarines, known as Project 75 India (P-75I), continues to face setbacks that threaten to push its timeline further into uncertainty. Initially conceptualized in 1998 as part of a comprehensive 30-year submarine-building initiative, the project aims to conclude by 2030. Under P-75I, the Navy plans to procure six new conventional diesel-electric submarines that are equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, which allows them to remain submerged for extended periods without the need to surface frequently.

Despite years of planning and deliberation, two primary contenders have emerged to fulfill the Navy’s requirements: Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which has formed a partnership with the state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), and Spain’s Navantia, collaborating with private Indian firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The unveiling of these contenders was seen as a positive development, but further complications have hampered progress.

A crucial aspect of the ongoing delays is linked to the Navy’s stringent requirements, particularly the demand for a sea-proven AIP system. Unfortunately, neither TKMS nor Navantia has successfully met this requirement to date. Both companies recently showcased their respective technologies to the Indian Navy; however, their AIP systems did not align with the specifications outlined in the Navy’s request for proposal (RFP). While Navantia’s AIP system comes closest to fulfilling the criteria, it will not be operational until 2026, a fact that Indian authorities had been aware of from the outset of the bidding process.

Navantia’s AIP underwent extensive trials, demonstrating its capabilities through a combination of land and onboard systems, having completed over 50,000 hours of testing. The system has also been approved for integration into the Spanish Navy’s S-80 class submarines. However, the Indian Navy now faces the task of validating whether this technology can be classified as “proven.”

On the other hand, TKMS’s AIP system, which was originally developed for smaller Type 214 submarines, does not meet the size specifications demanded by the Indian Navy. For TKMS to advance, a larger AIP system would need to be designed from scratch. This requirement complicates their proposal further, as they would also have to develop a new submarine design tailored to Indian needs, while Navantia is already offering a proven vessel with its S-80 class submarines, which entered service with the Spanish Navy in 2023.

To compound the complications, TKMS also faces hurdles related to the development and testing of new fuel cell batteries, as the current batteries utilized in their existing submarines are manufactured by a different supplier than those planned for the Indian market.

According to reports, the trials conducted earlier this year are currently under review, further delaying progress on P-75I. The Indian Navy’s insistence on a proven AIP system seems to stem from concerns that India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) might advocate for an indigenous AIP solution, which could lead to even greater delays in securing additional capabilities.

In parallel, India has been working on Scorpene-class submarines with plans for an integrated indigenous AIP system. However, this development has already faced missed deadlines, with retrofitting efforts for an AIP system expected to take place next year — an initiative that hangs in a precarious state due to ongoing testing and trials.

The challenges currently confronting P-75I were anticipated years earlier, with Russia — once a potential contender for the project — highlighting that achieving a successful outcome would require “drastic changes” to the Indian Navy’s tender process. This cautionary advice reflects the complexities and unique demands of the submarines India aims to build, which necessitate design from the ground up.

In 2019, Sweden’s SAAB was the first to bow out of the competition, citing concerns over “unbalanced” strategic partnership criteria. Fast forward nearly five years, and Project 75 India remains ensnared in bureaucratic limbo, with no immediate solution in sight to propel it toward the next phase of development. The ongoing delays not only hinder the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities but also raise significant concerns regarding national security and maritime defense preparedness in an increasingly complex regional landscape.