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.

Hyderabad witnessed an impressive air show on Friday, organized as part of the Congress government’s celebrations marking its first year in power. The Indian Air Force showcased the exceptional skills of the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, delighting a large crowd gathered at Hussainsagar.

The 30-minute performance featured 12 highly trained pilots flying nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, performing a series of intricate aerial maneuvers. The audience was treated to loops, rolls, crosses, and inverted flying, demonstrating the precision and coordination of the pilots. Among the stunning formations crafted in the sky, the team created diamond shapes, helical patterns resembling DNA structures, and a spectacular display known as the ‘Surya Kiran burst.’

As the aircraft carved through the sky, spectators erupted in cheers, capturing the exhilarating moments on their devices. The event was further enhanced by patriotic music played by the Air Force team, creating a festive atmosphere. Attendee P. Sunil proclaimed the performance a “feast for the eyes,” reflecting the admiration shared by many in the crowd.

In addition to the show, the Indian Air Force set up a stall near the statue of Baktha Ramadasu, which attracted considerable interest. Commuters along Tank Bund paused to witness the air show, capturing the community spirit of the event. K. Vishwak, who brought his children, expressed his hope that the event would inspire them with an appreciation for the Indian Air Force. Aviation enthusiast Manish Rao was also in the crowd, eager to witness the breathtaking aerobatics, while spectator Bharathi mentioned she stopped after hearing announcements about the event to enjoy the experience.

The day was not without its challenges; the IAF faced issues related to birds in the area but successfully implemented measures to ensure a safe and uninterrupted performance. Excited attendees were informed that the IAF would repeat the air show on December 8 at Hussainsagar, scheduled between 3 PM and 5 PM, promising more opportunities for the public to witness such breathtaking displays in the future.

Recent discussions surrounding gender issues within the Indian Army have been ignited by the leak of a demi-official letter from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 17 Corps, addressed to a senior officer. This letter included personal observations regarding the implementation of a policy that allows women to hold command positions within the Army. The subsequent public discourse surrounding the letter has been marked by a mix of emotions, critiques, and uninformed opinions, overshadowing what should be a constructive dialogue on an evolving policy.

The GOC’s right to share his insights should not be misconstrued. After a significant time following the adoption of this groundbreaking policy, it is within the officer’s command responsibilities to gather feedback from various units and formations, synthesizing it with his observations before reporting upward. It is crucial to understand that such assessments are part of a procedural effort to ensure that policies are effective and that both leaders and those they lead can adapt to new realities. As with any major shift, there is often a lengthy adjustment period; a review process is typically embedded within these policies, ensuring that they undergo a thorough examination before any revisions are considered.

Concerns over the leaked letter have emerged, highlighting the implications of discussing sensitive military policies publicly. Such leaks can exert undue pressure on leadership and distort informed debate by inviting uninformed opinions that may hinder progress. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the leak and the implementation of countermeasures are essential to safeguard the integrity of internal communications.

Focusing on the primary issue of women in command, it is important to recognize that perspectives on their performance will vary widely based on individual experiences. While some may harbor reservations rooted in tradition, it is equally vital to acknowledge that numerous women officers have successfully adapted to their roles, albeit through different pathways than their male counterparts. The current cadre of women commanding officers has not undergone the same rigorous appraisal traditionally expected in a command-oriented culture, yet many are proving their capabilities.

The GOC’s observations regarding eight women COs within his corps reflect a broader sentiment likely shared by other commanders. Each commander’s feedback will contribute to a richer understanding of the operational dynamics at play. The Army’s leadership is expected to take these insights seriously to foster improved performance and integration.

Historical parallels illustrate the challenges of command transitions. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Army underwent notable shifts in its command structure, notably with younger officers leading units. This adjustment raised questions about maturity and experience, prompting proactive measures from commanders to guide younger officers effectively. The same commitment to mentorship and oversight will be crucial as the Army navigates the integration of women into command roles.

Moving forward, the focus must remain steadfast on the policy established, emphasizing the optimization of mission capabilities within the Indian Army. Opinions regarding women COs should be viewed through the lens of operational effectiveness; any insights should serve to strengthen the organization’s overall performance. The journey towards gender integration within the Army is ongoing, and while it may encounter obstacles and debates, it is essential to approach these issues with clarity, understanding, and a commitment to progress.

Dehradun witnessed a momentous occasion as 44 cadets from the Army Cadet College (ACC) of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) celebrated their graduation during a convocation ceremony held at the iconic Chetwode Hall. Dignitaries and distinguished guests gathered to honor the achievements of the graduating class, which included 19 cadets from the science stream and 25 from the humanities stream.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, the Commandant of IMA, who presided over the event and conferred Bachelor’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, to the cadets of the ACC’s 124th course. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the cadets’ academic and military journey.

Following their graduation, the cadets are set to undertake a rigorous year of pre-commissioning training at the academy. Upon successful completion of this training, they will be inducted into the Indian Army as commissioned officers, ready to serve and protect the nation.

The convocation ceremony also recognized the outstanding achievements of several cadets through various awards. Cadet Kamaljeet Singh received the prestigious Chief of Army Staff (COAS) gold medal, acknowledging his exceptional performance. Cadet Lovejeet Singh was honored with the COAS silver medal, while the COAS bronze medal was awarded to cadet Shivam Singh for their respective accomplishments.

Additionally, the Commandant’s silver medals were presented to cadets who excelled in their studies and service subjects. Abhishek Guleria was awarded for his prowess in service subjects, while Lovejeet Singh and Kamaljeet Singh received accolades for their achievements in the humanities and science streams, respectively.

This ceremony not only marked the culmination of the cadets’ academic efforts but also signified the beginning of their professional military careers, with hopes of serving with honor and distinction in the Indian Army. The gathering reflected the ongoing commitment of the IMA in shaping future leaders of the armed forces.

New Delhi: The Eastern Army Command is set to commemorate Vijay Diwas on December 16 with a series of events to honor the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 war against Pakistan. This significant victory led to the creation of Bangladesh. Major General General Staff (MGGS) at Headquarters Eastern Command, Maj Gen Mohit Seth, announced that a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Vijay Smarak, marking the day when the Eastern Army of Pakistan surrendered in Dhaka.

Veterans of the 1971 war are expected to participate in the celebrations, providing an opportunity to honor those who contributed to this pivotal moment in history. Addressing the press at Eastern Command headquarters in Fort William, Maj Gen Seth highlighted the importance of the day and expressed that details regarding the possible participation of Mukti Jodhas (liberation warriors) and serving officers from the Bangladesh Army in the ceremonies would be provided soon.

The backdrop of this year’s commemoration comes amidst ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh, particularly following the recent political upheaval that saw the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5. This political instability has led to increased violence against the country’s minority Hindu population.

In addition to the wreath-laying ceremony, Vijay Diwas will feature a military tattoo performance at the Military Training Centre in Kolkata. This event will celebrate the valor of the 1971 war heroes who played a crucial role in defeating the Pakistani armed forces.

Maj Gen Seth reflected on the swift advancement of Indian forces in the Eastern theatre, emphasizing the collaboration between Indian soldiers and the Mukti Joddhas, alongside the support from local civilians in East Pakistan. He stated, “This remarkable achievement demonstrated our strong national will and commitment to support our friends and our neighbors.” He noted that the Indian forces, alongside Mukti Joddhas, took just 13 days to secure Dhaka and achieve victory.

Highlighting the cultural and historical ties between India and Bangladesh, Maj Gen Seth remarked on the shared ancient heritage of the two nations and the friendly relationship that has existed between their respective defense forces over the years, characterized by joint exercises, training, and collaborative courses. The upcoming Vijay Diwas celebrations aim to reinforce these bonds and remember the sacrifices made during the war that changed the political landscape of the region.

In a landmark event for India’s maritime defense capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, in the Russian city of Kaliningrad. The commissioning ceremony, scheduled to take place on Monday, will see the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside senior officials from both India and Russia.

INS Tushil is poised to join the Western Fleet and is regarded as one of the most advanced frigates globally. This commissioning not only underscores India’s growing naval capabilities but also highlights the enduring partnership between India and Russia, especially in the defense sector. The frigate is expected to enhance India’s operational ability in the Indian Ocean, a critical region that has seen increased activity from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in recent years.

The warship is a product of a substantial defense agreement valued at over USD 2.5 billion, which India signed with Russia in 2016. This deal encompasses the construction of four stealth frigates, two to be built in Russia and the other two to be manufactured in India. The construction of INS Tushil has been closely overseen by an Indian team from the ‘Warship Overseeing Team’ stationed in Kaliningrad, ensuring compliance with Indian defense specifications.

The frigate, weighing 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, boasts significant firepower and blends cutting-edge technologies from both Russian and Indian manufacturers. Its design incorporates enhanced stealth features and improved stability attributes, making it a formidable presence at sea. Notably, the indigenous content of the warship has reached an impressive 26%, reflecting the effective collaboration between Indian naval specialists and the Severnoye Design Bureau.

Major Indian defense firms, including BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, and others have played pivotal roles in the frigate’s construction, demonstrating a robust partnership in defense manufacturing. INS Tushil represents the upgraded version of the Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6 and is a testament to the hard work of hundreds of shipyard workers and various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from both nations.

Since January of this year, INS Tushil has undergone rigorous trials, including factory sea trials, state committee trials, and delivery acceptance trials completed by a team of Indian specialists. These trials have validated the performance of all installed Russian equipment, including weapon systems. During the trials, the frigate demonstrated impressive performance metrics, including speeds exceeding 30 knots. Following these successful tests, the ship is expected to arrive in India in a near combat-ready state, ready to operationally engage at short notice.

The name “Tushil,” meaning “the protector shield,” and its accompanying crest symbolize an “Abhedya Kavacham” (impenetrable shield). The frigate’s motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), reinforces the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and maintains its readiness to defend India’s maritime frontiers vigorously.

The Indian Navy is set to enhance its combat capabilities with the upcoming commissioning of its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil. The ceremonial event, scheduled to take place in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9, will be graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the Chief Guest. The occasion will also see the presence of senior officials from both the Russian and Indian governments, highlighting the significance of this milestone in naval cooperation between the two nations.

INS Tushil, measuring 125 meters and weighing 3,900 tons, embodies a formidable combination of Russian and Indian advanced technologies along with best practices in warship construction. The Indian Navy has underscored the frigate’s sophisticated design, which imbues it with enhanced stealth capabilities and improved stability. The indigenous content of the vessel has impressively reached 26%, with the systems manufactured in India more than doubling to a total of 33, demonstrating a robust collaboration between Indian naval specialists and Russia’s Severnoye Design Bureau.

An Indian oversight team has been actively involved in the frigate’s construction, monitoring the project closely from Kaliningrad under the guidance of the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Major Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) contributing to the ship’s development include BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Tata’s Nova Integrated Systems, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India, among others.

INS Tushil is classified under the advanced Krivak III class frigate, part of Project 1135.6, marking it as the seventh vessel in this series. It follows the earlier construction of three Talwar-class frigates and three Teg-class ships. Notably, INS Tushil is the first of two upgraded follow-on frigates that were contracted in October 2016 between the Indian Navy, the Government of India, and the Russian state agency JSC Rosoboronexport.

The frigate’s construction has been a collaborative effort, with extensive trials conducted since January this year. These trials included factory sea tests, state committee evaluations, and acceptance trials, all overseen by a dedicated team of Indian specialists. The rigorous testing, which involved weapon firings and verification of onboard Russian equipment, confirmed that the ship can exceed speeds of 30 knots and is ready to operate effectively upon its arrival in India.

The name “Tushil” is derived from the concept of a “protector shield,” complemented by its crest which embodies “Abhedya Kavacham,” or “impenetrable shield.” The vessel’s motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding maritime interests.

Once commissioned, INS Tushil will join the prestigious Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This fleet, often referred to as the “Sword Arm” of the Navy, plays a pivotal role in maritime operations under the Western Naval Command. With its cutting-edge technology and design, INS Tushil is anticipated to stand as one of the most advanced frigates globally, symbolizing India’s expanding naval capabilities.

Moreover, the commissioning of INS Tushil not only signifies an enhancement in the operational strength of the Indian Navy but also highlights the longstanding partnership between India and Russia in defense and military cooperation. As a state-of-the-art warship, INS Tushil is poised to become a vital asset, reinforcing the Navy’s dedication to protecting India’s maritime frontiers.

Hyderabad is poised to be captivated by an extraordinary aerial display as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to host an air show featuring the renowned Suryakiran aerobatic team. Scheduled for this Sunday, the event will take place over the scenic Hussain Sagar Lake from 3 pm to 5 pm, offering spectators a thrilling experience.

The Suryakiran team, celebrated for its spectacular aerial performances, will showcase a series of breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls, crosses, and inverted flying. This aerial spectacle is part of the IAF’s outreach program, aimed at engaging and enchanting the community with the skills and capabilities of the nation’s air force.

Comprising nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, the Suryakiran team is known for its precision flying, performing in close proximity to one another at a mere distance of 5 meters. The team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, an accomplished Su-30 MKI pilot, with Group Captain Sidhesh Kartik serving as his deputy. The team itself consists of a total of 12 skilled pilots.

Establishing a legacy since its inception in 1996, the Suryakiran team stands as the sole nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia and is regarded as one of the elite aerobatic teams globally. With an impressive record of over 700 displays throughout India, the Suryakiran team has also garnered international acclaim, having represented the IAF at air shows across several countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.

The Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, utilized by the team, serves a dual purpose: not only does it facilitate awe-inspiring aerobatics, but it also functions as a crucial training tool for newly commissioned IAF pilots. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), this aircraft exemplifies India’s advancing aviation technology and its commitment to developing indigenous military resources.

As enthusiasts and families gather by the lakeside, they can look forward to an afternoon filled with excitement, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the Indian Air Force’s elite aerobatic team. With such a remarkable display on the horizon, the event promises to be a thrilling highlight for the city of Hyderabad.