Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s naval strength, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Tushil, a 3,900-tonne multi-role stealth frigate, at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, on Monday. The commissioning marks another milestone in the long-standing defence collaboration between India and Russia.
Strengthening India-Russia Defence Ties
Singh described INS Tushil’s commissioning as a “significant milestone” in the bilateral strategic partnership, stating that India and Russia are poised to enter a “new era of cooperation” in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber-security, space exploration, and counterterrorism.
“The ‘Made in India’ content in warships, including INS Tushil, is continuously increasing. This ship stands as a testament to the collaborative prowess of Russian and Indian industries,” Singh remarked.
Capabilities of INS Tushil
The 125-metre-long INS Tushil, an upgraded Krivak-III class frigate, is designed for operations across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic dimensions. Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and sensors, the warship features:
•BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (jointly developed by India and Russia).
•Vertically-launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles with enhanced ranges.
•Advanced anti-submarine torpedoes, rockets, and medium-range anti-air guns.
•Electronic warfare and communication suites.
The frigate also accommodates potent helicopters like the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31, enhancing anti-submarine and airborne early-warning capabilities.
Capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots, INS Tushil is built for blue-water operations and can handle the full spectrum of naval warfare.
Future Plans and Collaboration
The commissioning of INS Tushil will be followed by INS Tamal, the second frigate under this project, early next year. These frigates are part of a 2018 agreement between India and Russia for four upgraded Krivak-III class frigates, with the first two being imported from Russia and the remaining two under construction at Goa Shipyard with transfer of technology.
This addition will strengthen the Navy’s fleet, which already includes six similar frigates (Talwar-class and Teg-class) inducted between 2003 and 2004.
Acknowledgment of Collaborative Efforts
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi praised the Yantar shipyard workers and the Russian and Indian equipment manufacturers for the successful integration of Indian and Russian systems, leading to exceptional upgrades in naval capabilities.
