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The Indian Navy is set to unveil its latest addition, the INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, on December 9, 2024, during a grand commissioning ceremony in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event will be attended by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will be the chief guest, alongside senior officials from both Russian and Indian governments and defence sectors. This milestone marks a significant leap in the Navy’s modernization efforts, reinforcing India’s defense capabilities.
A Symbol of India-Russia Collaboration
INS Tushil is an upgraded version of the Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6, making it the seventh ship in the series. The contract for the ship was signed in October 2016 between the Indian Navy, JSC Rosoboronexport, and the Government of India. At 125 meters long and weighing 3,900 tonnes, the ship is a cutting-edge blend of Indian and Russian engineering expertise.
The frigate is designed with advanced stealth features to minimize radar visibility. Indian naval specialists and Russian designers from Severnoye Design Bureau worked together to increase the indigenous content of the ship, which now stands at 26%. The integration of Indian-made systems has also more than doubled, now comprising 33 systems, enhancing its technological capacity.
State-of-the-Art Technology and Capabilities
INS Tushil is packed with state-of-the-art surveillance and combat systems. These systems enable the frigate to engage targets both in the air and at sea, making it a versatile addition to the Indian Navy. The ship is particularly adept at anti-submarine warfare and anti-air operations, which are vital for safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
The ship’s trials, which began in January 2024, were carried out by a team of Indian specialists. These trials confirmed that the Russian-sourced equipment, including weapon systems, was performing optimally. The warship also achieved a speed exceeding 30 knots during the trials. With these tests successfully completed, INS Tushil is nearly combat-ready and will soon make its way to India.
INS Tushil’s Role in the Indian Navy
Once commissioned, INS Tushil will join the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command, becoming a part of the Navy’s “Sword Arm.” The ship’s motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (fearless, indomitable, resolute), and its crest featuring the emblem “Abhedya Kavacham” (impenetrable shield) reflect its purpose: to serve as a protector and defender of the nation’s maritime boundaries.
The ship’s name, Tushil, translates to “the protector shield,” further symbolizing its role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. Major Indian OEMs such as BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and Keltron have contributed to the construction and outfitting of the warship.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Visit to Russia
Rajnath Singh’s visit to Russia from December 8 to 10 coincides with the commissioning ceremony. During his visit, Singh will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. The meeting will focus on strengthening military cooperation and discussing global and regional security issues.
Singh is also scheduled to pay respects at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow, honoring Soviet soldiers who perished in World War II. He will also meet with the Indian community in Russia during his visit.
A New Chapter in Indo-Russian Defence Cooperation
The commissioning of INS Tushil represents a significant step in the long-standing military cooperation between India and Russia. This partnership has seen the successful integration of cutting-edge technology, and INS Tushil stands as a testament to the strength of this collaboration.
As INS Tushil is ready to join the ranks of the Indian Navy, it showcases the nation’s growing naval power, poised to take on multi-role operations and further solidify India’s position as a formidable maritime force.
Sources By Agencies
