The Indian Navy is all set to induct the latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, at a ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia, on 9 December 2024. The event will witness Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh as Chief Guest, who will be accompanied by numerous senior officials from both the government and the defense sector of Russia and India.
INS Tushil is one of the advanced variants of the Krivak III class frigates under Project 1135.6, with a proven record of satisfactory service from its predecessors, which include three ships built in St. Petersburg and three Teg-class ships constructed in Kaliningrad. As the seventh of this series, INS Tushil marks a real technological and capability leap. It is the first of two additional upgraded follow-on ships, with the contract for their construction finalized in October 2016 between JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy, and the Government of India.
The development of INS Tushil is the result of rigorous efforts by hundreds of shipyard workers, along with the contributions of numerous Russian and Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The ship undertook comprehensive trials in 2024, which commenced with Factory Sea Trials in January, then State Committee Trials, and culminated with Delivery Acceptance Trials, including weapon firings for all Russian-supplied systems on board. The frigate proved to be fast, at speeds over 30 knots during the trials, so ready to join the Indian Navy close to combat status.
#WATCH | The Indian Navy is all set to commission its latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, at Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9, 2024.
The ceremony will be presided over by Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh, as the Chief Guest, with many high-ranking Russian… pic.twitter.com/cZAskPfUdh
— ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2024
Tushil refers to ‘the protector shield.’ The crest on this warship symbolizes ‘Abhedya Kavacham’, representing the Indian Navy as ever-unyielding protectors to all kinds of adversities when facing one nation for boundary or protecting their maritime interests. In Hindi, the motto that signifies its purpose is “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute).
With a length of 125 meters and a displacement of 3,900 tons, INS Tushil boasts a lethal combination of advanced Russian and Indian technologies. The design incorporates enhanced stealth capabilities and improved stability, making it one of the most advanced frigates in the world. Through collaboration between Indian naval experts and Severnoye Design Bureau, the ship’s indigenous content has risen to 26%, with over 33 systems manufactured in India. Major Indian OEMs that would participate in this project include BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, and Elcome Marine, among others.
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INS Tushil, after its induction, would become a part of the prestigious fleet of the Indian Navy’s ‘Sword Arm,’ that is under the Western Naval Command, thus adding strength to the Indian Navy and thus enhancing India’s and Russia’s partnership through the defense sphere.
