CURTAIN RAISER – INAUGURATION OF INS TUSHIL

The Indian Navy is set to launch its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, in Kaliningrad, Russia, on 09 December 2024. The esteemed event will be attended by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, along with senior defense officials from Russia and India.

INS Tushil, an enhanced model of the Krivak III-class frigates from Project 1135.6, represents the newest member of a fleet comprising six vessels, including three Talwar-class ships from the Baltisky shipyard in St. Petersburg and three Teg-class ships from the Yantar yard in Kaliningrad. Being the seventh vessel in this lineup, it is the initial one of two enhanced successor ships, with the agreement signed in October 2016 among JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Government. A committed Indian team, located in Kaliningrad, vigilantly observed the ship’s assembly under the direction of the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

The warship is a symbol of the relentless work of countless workers and various Russian and Indian OEMs. Following thorough testing that commenced in January, which involved Factory Sea Trials and Delivery Acceptance Trials conducted by Indian experts, the ship demonstrated its capabilities by achieving speeds over 30 knots. Complete with Russian systems, it is expected to reach India in an almost combat-ready state.

Called Tushil, which translates to “the protector shield,” and featuring the motto ‘Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel’ (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), the vessel represents the Indian Navy’s steadfast determination to safeguard the country’s maritime borders.

Measuring 125 meters in length and weighing 3900 tons, this warship combines Russian and Indian technologies, featuring improved stealth abilities. Featuring an impressive 26% indigenous content and over 33 systems manufactured in India, INS Tushil will be a significant asset for the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, highlighting the robust defense partnership between India and Russia.