The Indian Navy is ready to commission its new stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, on 9th December 2024 in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ceremony will be attended by India’s Defense Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, along with high-ranking officials from both the Indian and Russian governments.
INS Tushil is an upgraded version of the Krivak III class frigate, part of Project 1135.6. This project includes six similar ships already in service, built at Russian shipyards in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. INS Tushil is the seventh ship in this series and the first of two additional ships ordered in 2016 under an agreement between the Indian Navy and Russia. The construction of the ship has been closely supervised by an Indian team stationed in Kaliningrad.
The ship’s development is a result of collaboration between hundreds of workers from both countries, as well as various Indian and Russian companies. After its construction, INS Tushil went through a series of tests and trials, starting in January 2024. These trials included testing all its equipment, including weapon systems. During these tests, the ship reached speeds of over 30 knots, confirming its readiness to be part of the Indian Navy.
The name Tushil means "protector shield," and the ship’s motto, ‘Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel’ (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), reflects the Navy’s commitment to defending India’s maritime borders. The ship’s design includes advanced stealth technology and improved stability, combining Russian and Indian expertise. Notably, 26% of the ship's components are made in India, and the number of Indian-made systems has doubled to 33, with contributions from companies like BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, and others.
Once commissioned, INS Tushil will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and be part of the Navy’s "Sword Arm" under the Western Naval Command. It will be one of the most advanced frigates in the world, demonstrating the growing capabilities of the Indian Navy and the strong defense partnership between India and Russia. (PR)