INS Tushil, a state-of-the-art guided missile frigate, was recently commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia. This advanced warship is part of a $2.5 billion deal between India and Russia, aimed at strengthening India’s naval capabilities. Built under Project 1135.6, it integrates Russian design and Indian technology, marking a new chapter in India-Russia defence collaboration. This blog explores the ship’s features, strategic importance, and its role in India’s maritime security vision.
INS Tushil: Key Highlights
Commissioning Details
- Event: INS Tushil was commissioned at Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and senior officials.
- Background: It is the seventh multirole stealth frigate under Project 1135.6 and the first of the additional follow-on class ships.
- Significance: The ship will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, enhancing its operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
India-Russia Collaboration
- Construction Partnership:
- Built at Severnoye Design Bureau, Russia.
- Indian firms like BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, and others contributed to the ship’s indigenous content, which stands at 26%.
- Technological Excellence:
- The collaboration showcases advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism.
- The partnership highlights the mutual trust between the two nations and their commitment to enhancing defence capabilities.
Operational Capabilities
- Specifications:
- Displacement: 3,900 tonnes.
- Length: 125 meters.
- Features: Enhanced stealth, stability, and advanced design for superior performance.
- Strategic Role:
- Designed to provide robust defence against increasing threats in the Indian Ocean.
- Will secure critical maritime corridors such as the Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and the Malacca Strait.
Strategic Importance for India
- Countering Regional Threats:
- INS Tushil strengthens India’s naval fleet amid rising Chinese PLA Navy activities in the Indian Ocean.
- Maritime Security Vision:
- Aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
- Supports India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR, ensuring peace and stability.
Defence Minister’s Remarks
During the commissioning, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized:
- The growing India-Russia defence ties and successful collaboration on advanced defence technologies.
- India’s commitment to promoting maritime peace and sustainable development in the IOR.
- The ship’s commissioning as a testament to India’s maritime strength and strategic partnership with Russia.
FAQs About INS Tushil
1. What is INS Tushil?
INS Tushil is a Russian-built guided missile frigate commissioned into the Indian Navy to enhance maritime security and operational capabilities.
2. What makes INS Tushil unique?
It features advanced stealth technology, enhanced stability, and cutting-edge weaponry. The ship also integrates 26% Indian technology, reflecting India-Russia collaboration.
3. What is the significance of Project 1135.6?
Project 1135.6 involves building advanced Krivak III-class frigates. INS Tushil is the seventh ship in this series and the first of the follow-on class.
4. How does INS Tushil support India’s maritime vision?
The ship strengthens India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with the SAGAR initiative to promote peace and secure trade routes.
5. Who contributed to the construction of INS Tushil?
The ship was built in collaboration with Russian and Indian firms, including BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, and Tata’s Nova Integrated Systems.
INS Tushil’s commissioning represents a landmark achievement in India’s maritime defence and its strategic partnership with Russia. This advanced frigate not only enhances India’s naval strength but also aligns with the nation’s broader vision for maritime peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region. With its cutting-edge capabilities and collaborative roots, INS Tushil is a symbol of innovation, trust, and strategic foresight in modern naval warfare.
