The Indian Navy is poised to bolster its fleet with the commissioning of INS Tushil, a state-of-the-art multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ceremony, scheduled for 9th December, will be graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
INS Tushil is the latest addition to the Krivak III-class frigates under Project 1135.6, a proven class of warships renowned for their versatility and combat capabilities. The Navy already operates six frigates from this class—three Talwar-class ships built in St. Petersburg and three Teg-class ships from Kaliningrad’s Yantar Shipyard.
As the seventh frigate in the series, INS Tushil represents the next generation of upgrades. It is also the first of two advanced follow-on ships ordered under a 2016 contract between JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy, and the government of India. This milestone reinforces the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge fleet.
INS Tushil is a remarkable fusion of Russian and Indian cutting-edge technologies combined with best practices in warship construction. Spanning 125 meters and displacing 3,900 tonnes, the frigate boasts 26% indigenous content and integrates 33 made-in-India systems, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defence production.
Designed with enhanced stealth features and superior stability, INS Tushil will join the prestigious Western Fleet, often called the “Sword Arm” of the Indian Navy, under the Western Naval Command. Upon commissioning, it will rank among the most technologically advanced frigates globally, further strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.
INS Tushil has successfully completed an extensive series of trials, including factory sea trials, state committee trials, and delivery acceptance trials, which began in January. These rigorous assessments tested all Russian equipment installed onboard, including weapon systems, and demonstrated the ship’s capabilities. INS Tushil achieved an impressive top speed of over 30 knots during the trials. With the trials concluded, the frigate is set to arrive in India in a near combat-ready condition.
The Ministry of Defence described INS Tushil as not just a testament to the Indian Navy’s growing capabilities but also a symbol of the robust and enduring India-Russia partnership in defence collaboration.
Team BharatShakti