Sayan Chatterjee, New Delhi, 6th December 2024: The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its maritime strength by commissioning its latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, at a ceremony in Kaliningrad, Russia. Defence minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the historic event as the Chief Guest, joined by senior dignitaries from the Indian and Russian governments and defence establishments.
INS Tushil, an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6, represents a significant leap in naval warfare capabilities. It is the seventh in the series of Indian Navy’s Krivak-class frigates and the first of two upgraded ships contracted in October 2016 with JSC Rosoboronexport. The ship was constructed at the Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, under the meticulous supervision of Indian specialists stationed in Russia.
A Triumph of Indo-Russian Collaboration
This frigate embodies the industrious collaboration between Indian and Russian experts, with hundreds of shipyard workers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) contributing to its development. In 2024, rigorous trials marked the construction and readiness of INS Tushil, including Factory Sea Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials. These trials confirmed the ship’s impressive operational capabilities, including its ability to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots. Upon commissioning, INS Tushil will sail to India in a near combat-ready state, exemplifying its readiness to fulfil the Navy’s operational needs from day one.
Cutting-edge Technology and Indigenous Integration
Stretching 125 meters in length and weighing 3,900 tons, INS Tushil merges Indian and Russian cutting-edge technologies. It boasts advanced stealth features, superior stability, and a robust weapons suite, delivering a lethal punch in naval warfare. Notably, the ship achieves 26% indigenous content, with systems developed by leading Indian OEMs such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, and Nova Integrated Systems. This milestone underscores the success of India’s Make in India initiative in defence production.
Symbol of Strength and Resolve
Tushil, meaning “The Protector Shield,” reflects its role as a sentinel of the nation’s maritime frontiers. The ship’s crest, symbolizing the ‘Abhedya Kavacham’ (impenetrable shield), aligns with its motto, ‘Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel’ (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute). These elements underscore the frigate’s position as a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
Strategic Induction into the Western Fleet
Post commissioning, INS Tushil will bolster the Western Fleet, the “Sword Arm” of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command. This inclusion will significantly enhance India’s maritime capabilities, positioning the ship among the most technologically advanced frigates globally. Beyond its military utility, INS Tushil stands as a beacon of the enduring partnership between India and Russia, showcasing their shared vision for a robust and secure Indo-Pacific region. This commissioning heralds a new chapter in naval defence, fortifying India’s position as a blue-water naval power. The Indian Navy proudly welcomes INS Tushil, a protector shield and a symbol of its fearless resolve.
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