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The induction of INS Tushil into the Indian Navy signifies an important step toward strengthening India’s maritime capabilities
The Indian Navy is all set to commission its latest stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, in a high-profile ceremony on December 9, 2024 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with senior Indian and Russian officials, will attend the event, marking a major milestone in Indo-Russian defence cooperation and the Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts.
The induction of INS Tushil into the Indian Navy signifies an important step toward strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of the Western Fleet. The frigate is part of the upgraded Krivak III class of Project 1135.6 frigates, making it a potent addition to India’s naval arsenal.
INS Tushil, the first of two advanced frigates being built under a 2016 agreement between India and Russia, represents a harmonious blend of cutting-edge Indian and Russian technologies. Named Tushil, meaning “protector shield,” the frigate’s motto is “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute).
The warship’s construction was closely monitored by the Indian Warship Overseeing Team stationed in Kaliningrad under the Indian Embassy in Moscow. It underwent extensive trials, including Factory Sea Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials. These tests rigorously evaluated the frigate’s weapon systems, propulsion mechanisms, and overall seaworthiness, confirming its readiness for operational deployment. During trials, the ship demonstrated its advanced capabilities, achieving a top speed of over 30 knots (55 km/h).
INS Tushil boasts impressive specifications. It is 125 meters long, has a displacement of 3,900 tonnes, and incorporates an array of advanced technologies. Approximately 26% of the ship’s components are indigenously developed, with significant contributions from leading Indian companies such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Nova Integrated Systems.
The frigate is equipped with advanced stealth features that enhance its survivability in high-threat environments by reducing its radar signature. Its multi-role capabilities include anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, making it a versatile platform for modern naval operations. With enhanced stability and state-of-the-art weaponry, INS Tushil is a formidable addition to the Navy’s Western Fleet, which operates under the Western Naval Command.
The commissioning of INS Tushil aligns with the Indian Navy’s strategic shift from focusing solely on the number of platforms to enhancing its overall capabilities. This conceptual shift emphasizes developing a balanced and advanced force structure that can effectively address evolving maritime challenges. INS Tushil’s induction comes at a time when the Navy is actively working on over 50 ships and submarines under construction, most of which are being built indigenously. Key projects include the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kolkata-class destroyers, and Shivalik-class frigates at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, and Scorpene-class submarines.
The Navy’s approach to shipbuilding has been increasingly inclusive, encouraging private-sector shipyards to participate in warship construction. Companies such as Pipavav Shipyard and ABG Shipyard have been awarded contracts to build Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) and Cadet Training Ships, further diversifying the country’s shipbuilding capabilities.
INS Tushil also represents the longstanding and robust defence partnership between India and Russia. The Krivak III series of frigates is a product of this collaboration, with six ships already in service with the Indian Navy, including the Talwar-class and Teg-class frigates.
Beyond its immediate operational significance, INS Tushil reflects India’s broader vision of becoming a global maritime power. The Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing its force structure is part of a comprehensive Maritime Capability Perspective Plan, which emphasizes self-reliance and indigenous development while addressing immediate capability gaps with select acquisitions from abroad. For instance, the Navy has acquired key platforms such as the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and follow-on Talwar-class frigates from Russia.
The induction of INS Tushil also highlights the Navy’s efforts to upgrade its existing fleet. Mid-Life Upgrades (MLUs) of ships like the Rajput-class and Brahmaputra-class vessels are underway to extend their service life and enhance their operational capabilities. These initiatives, combined with new inductions like INS Tushil, ensure that the Navy remains prepared to meet the challenges of modern maritime warfare.
With a current fleet of approximately 150 ships and submarines, the Indian Navy is poised to further enhance its capabilities in the years to come. INS Tushil’s commissioning not only bolsters the Navy’s operational strength but also symbolizes India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and securing its place as a leading global naval power.
As the Indian Navy continues its journey toward modernization, the induction of INS Tushil is a proud moment, demonstrating the synergy between innovation, collaboration, and strategic vision. This stealth-guided missile frigate stands as a testament to the Navy’s resolve to protect and serve with unwavering determination.
The induction of INS Tushil into the Indian Navy signifies an important step toward strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of the Western Fleet. The frigate is part of the upgraded Krivak III class of Project 1135.6 frigates, making it a potent addition to India’s naval arsenal.
INS Tushil, the first of two advanced frigates being built under a 2016 agreement between India and Russia, represents a harmonious blend of cutting-edge Indian and Russian technologies. Named Tushil, meaning “protector shield,” the frigate’s motto is “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute).
The warship’s construction was closely monitored by the Indian Warship Overseeing Team stationed in Kaliningrad under the Indian Embassy in Moscow. It underwent extensive trials, including Factory Sea Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials. These tests rigorously evaluated the frigate’s weapon systems, propulsion mechanisms, and overall seaworthiness, confirming its readiness for operational deployment. During trials, the ship demonstrated its advanced capabilities, achieving a top speed of over 30 knots (55 km/h).
INS Tushil boasts impressive specifications. It is 125 meters long, has a displacement of 3,900 tonnes, and incorporates an array of advanced technologies. Approximately 26% of the ship’s components are indigenously developed, with significant contributions from leading Indian companies such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Nova Integrated Systems.
The frigate is equipped with advanced stealth features that enhance its survivability in high-threat environments by reducing its radar signature. Its multi-role capabilities include anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, making it a versatile platform for modern naval operations. With enhanced stability and state-of-the-art weaponry, INS Tushil is a formidable addition to the Navy’s Western Fleet, which operates under the Western Naval Command.
The commissioning of INS Tushil aligns with the Indian Navy’s strategic shift from focusing solely on the number of platforms to enhancing its overall capabilities. This conceptual shift emphasizes developing a balanced and advanced force structure that can effectively address evolving maritime challenges. INS Tushil’s induction comes at a time when the Navy is actively working on over 50 ships and submarines under construction, most of which are being built indigenously. Key projects include the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kolkata-class destroyers, and Shivalik-class frigates at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, and Scorpene-class submarines.
The Navy’s approach to shipbuilding has been increasingly inclusive, encouraging private-sector shipyards to participate in warship construction. Companies such as Pipavav Shipyard and ABG Shipyard have been awarded contracts to build Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) and Cadet Training Ships, further diversifying the country’s shipbuilding capabilities.
INS Tushil also represents the longstanding and robust defence partnership between India and Russia. The Krivak III series of frigates is a product of this collaboration, with six ships already in service with the Indian Navy, including the Talwar-class and Teg-class frigates.
Beyond its immediate operational significance, INS Tushil reflects India’s broader vision of becoming a global maritime power. The Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing its force structure is part of a comprehensive Maritime Capability Perspective Plan, which emphasizes self-reliance and indigenous development while addressing immediate capability gaps with select acquisitions from abroad. For instance, the Navy has acquired key platforms such as the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and follow-on Talwar-class frigates from Russia.
The induction of INS Tushil also highlights the Navy’s efforts to upgrade its existing fleet. Mid-Life Upgrades (MLUs) of ships like the Rajput-class and Brahmaputra-class vessels are underway to extend their service life and enhance their operational capabilities. These initiatives, combined with new inductions like INS Tushil, ensure that the Navy remains prepared to meet the challenges of modern maritime warfare.
With a current fleet of approximately 150 ships and submarines, the Indian Navy is poised to further enhance its capabilities in the years to come. INS Tushil’s commissioning not only bolsters the Navy’s operational strength but also symbolizes India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and securing its place as a leading global naval power.
As the Indian Navy continues its journey toward modernization, the induction of INS Tushil is a proud moment, demonstrating the synergy between innovation, collaboration, and strategic vision. This stealth-guided missile frigate stands as a testament to the Navy’s resolve to protect and serve with unwavering determination.
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