On December 9, 2024, the Indian Navy will officially commission the INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event, which will be graced by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest, represents a significant milestone in the long-standing defence ties between India and Russia. The commissioning ceremony, scheduled just ahead of a potential visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India in early 2025, underscores the strategic importance of this partnership, particularly in the field of naval defence.

A Powerful Addition to the Indian Navy

INS Tushil is the latest in a series of upgraded Krivak III-class frigates, part of the Russian-designed Project 1135.6. The Indian Navy already operates six ships from this class, including three Talwar-class frigates and three Teg-class follow-ons, all built at Russian shipyards in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. INS Tushil, the seventh vessel in this series, is the first of two upgraded frigates under a contract signed in 2016 between the Indian Government, JSC Rosoboronexport, and the Russian defence industry.

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At 125 meters in length and displacing 3,900 tons, INS Tushil is equipped with advanced stealth features, making it less detectable by enemy radar and more stable in various sea conditions. The vessel’s design is a result of close collaboration between Russian shipbuilders and Indian naval specialists, with a significant focus on incorporating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing the ship’s overall performance.

Indigenous Contributions and Technological Advancements

One of the standout features of INS Tushil is its increased indigenous content, a key milestone in India’s push for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The ship incorporates 26 percent indigenous technology, with over 33 systems developed by Indian manufacturers. This includes contributions from major Indian defence companies such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems, and others. This integration of Indian-made systems not only enhances the ship’s operational capabilities but also represents a growing synergy between Indian and Russian defence industries.

Comprehensive Testing and Readiness

Since its construction, INS Tushil has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its readiness for active service. These trials, which began in early 2024, included factory sea trials, state committee trials, and final delivery acceptance trials. During these tests, the ship demonstrated impressive speed capabilities, exceeding 30 knots, and successfully tested all critical systems, including its weaponry. With these trials now completed, the ship will be delivered to the Indian Navy in near-combat-ready condition, poised to join the fleet and contribute to India’s maritime defence strategy.

Strategic and Symbolic Significance

INS Tushil, whose name translates to “protector shield,” is a powerful symbol of India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime borders. The ship’s crest, which features an “Abhedya Kavacham” (impenetrable shield), along with its motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), embodies the ship’s role in providing robust defence and ensuring security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The ship will be assigned to the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, joining the “Sword Arm” of the Indian Navy. Its advanced capabilities will bolster India’s defence posture, allowing it to carry out a variety of missions ranging from anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare to maritime patrol and reconnaissance. The frigate’s commissioning also enhances India’s ability to project power and maintain security in the strategically important Indian Ocean, a region that is vital for global trade and maritime stability.

Strengthening Indo-Russian Defence Ties

The commissioning of INS Tushil is not just a milestone for the Indian Navy but also a reflection of the deepening defence ties between India and Russia. Over the years, the two countries have collaborated extensively on various defence projects, and the successful completion of INS Tushil further strengthens this relationship. It also highlights the growing technological capabilities of India’s defence sector, particularly in the realm of naval shipbuilding.

Bottomline

The arrival of INS Tushil in the Indian Navy marks a significant enhancement of India’s naval capabilities. With its advanced technology, enhanced indigenous content, and rigorous trials, the frigate is set to become a key asset in India’s strategic defence infrastructure. As it joins the ranks of the Indian Navy’s most advanced ships, INS Tushil stands as a testament to the growing partnership between India and Russia, underscoring both countries’ commitment to regional security and defence cooperation.