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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 9, 2024, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning ceremony saw the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who highlighted the frigate as a proud symbol of India’s advancing maritime strength and a testament to the enduring India-Russia defence partnership.
Rajnath Singh lauded Russia’s contribution to India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision, noting the increasing Indian content in vessels like INS Tushil. He emphasized the frigate as evidence of collaborative expertise between Russian and Indian industries, showcasing strides in technological excellence.
The Defense Minister stressed the evolving operational and technical collaboration between Indian and Russian navies. He reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), citing the Navy’s pivotal role in countering piracy, smuggling, and other non-state threats from the Gulf of Oman to the Gulf of Aden and beyond.
He further highlighted India’s focus on regional cooperation through its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. Shri Rajnath Singh assured continued Russian support in promoting collective security and sustainable development in the IOR.
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INS Tushil, the seventh Krivak III-class frigate under Project 1135.6, is equipped with modern weapons systems, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil surface-to-air missiles, and advanced stealth capabilities. It is designed to excel in all dimensions of naval warfare—air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic. The ship is also capable of deploying anti-submarine and early warning helicopters, enhancing its operational range.
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Commanded by Captain Peter Varghese, INS Tushil completed rigorous sea trials and weapons testing. The frigate is powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion system, enabling speeds exceeding 30 knots.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin and Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi commended the collaboration between Indian and Russian teams in delivering a technologically advanced vessel.
As India and Russia explore new avenues of defence cooperation, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space exploration, the commissioning of INS Tushil underscores a deepening strategic partnership. With the frigate ready to contribute to the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities, it marks another step forward in India’s journey toward a robust maritime defence posture.
