INS Tushil commissioned into Indian Navy in Russia

1. On December 9, 2024, the Indian Navy formally commissioned the INS Tushil, a state-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate, at Kaliningrad, Russia.
2. The event marked a significant milestone in India-Russia defence relations, highlighting the deep strategic ties between the two nations.
3. The commissioning of INS Tushil also reflects India’s growing technological capabilities and commitment to strengthening its maritime defence.
    

Key Highlights:

1. INS Tushil: A New Era of Defence Collaboration:

   1. Class & Design: INS Tushil is an upgraded version of the Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6.
   2. The ship’s design is based on the Talwar-class and Teg-class frigates that are already in service in the Indian Navy.
   3. In October 2016, India and Russia signed a deal for four stealth frigates, two to be built in Russia and two to be constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited under technology transfer.
   4. INS Tushil is one of the two additional Krivak-class frigates under construction in Russia, with the 2nd frigate (INS Tamal) expected to be delivered by early 2025.
   5. Collaboration: The commissioning exemplifies India and Russia’s strong defence cooperation, with the Indian Navy and Russian industries working together.
   6. INS Tushil reflects India's increasing reliance on "Made in India" content, with significant local production, contributing to India’s vision of becoming an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

2. Ceremonial Commissioning:
    

   1. The ceremony began with a joint Guard of Honour presented by the ship’s crew and the Russian Baltic Fleet personnel.
   2. The Commanding Officer designate, Captain Peter Varghese, formally accepted the ship's commissioning warrant, marking the ship’s induction into the Indian Navy.
   3. The ceremony concluded with the hoisting of the Indian Naval ensign, symbolizing the ship’s official entry into active service.

3. Strategic Significance:
    

   1. INS Tushil represents India's growing maritime power, capable of executing blue-water operations in various forms of naval warfare across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains.
   2. Advanced Weaponry: The ship is equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, including:
      1. BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (jointly developed by India and Russia).
      2. Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles with enhanced range capabilities.
      3. Advanced anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets.
      4. Upgraded medium-range anti-aircraft and surface guns with advanced stealth features.
      5. Optically-controlled close-range rapid-fire gun system.
   3. Helicopter Capabilities: The ship is capable of embarking Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters, providing enhanced capabilities for anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning.

4. India-Russia Defence Collaboration:
    

   1. Joint Technological Development: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Russia in areas like Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, and counter-terrorism.
   2. The commissioning of INS Tushil reflects the deepening of this partnership, with both countries working together to enhance their technological and defence capabilities.
   3. Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Mr. Singh praised Russia’s support for India’s vision of self-reliance, noting that many components of INS Tushil are “Made in India.”
   4. He emphasized that the collaboration between the two countries shows how India is progressing towards technological excellence through partnerships with global powers like Russia.

5. Ship’s Specifications and Capabilities:
    

   1. Keel Laid: The keel of INS Tushil was laid on July 12, 2013, and it was launched in October 2021.
   2. The ship’s commissioning followed extensive trials to ensure its combat readiness.
   3. Sea Trials: The ship completed its maiden sea trials in January 2024, followed by factory trials, State Committee Trials, and delivery acceptance trials by September 2024.
   4. These trials confirmed the ship’s readiness for service, with successful firing tests of all Russian weapon systems.
   5. Speed and Power: INS Tushil is powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion system and can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots.

6. Indian Navy's Role in Regional Security:
    

   1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the Indian Navy's commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
   2. India’s naval forces have played a key role in counter-piracy operations, combating arms and drug smuggling, and ensuring safe maritime trade in critical international shipping routes.
   3. The Indian Navy is also committed to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region, acting as a first responder in times of crisis.

Strategic and Technological Impact:
 

1. Maritime Security: The induction of INS Tushil boosts India’s ability to project power in the Indian Ocean Region, a vital area for global maritime trade.
2. The ship’s advanced weaponry and systems will enable the Indian Navy to secure key shipping lanes and safeguard India’s maritime borders.
3. Technological Advancement: The ship shows technological cooperation between Indian and Russian industries, reflecting India’s growing capabilities in advanced naval technologies and indigenous manufacturing.
4. Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The commissioning shows the deep strategic partnership between India and Russia, enhancing defence cooperation and collaboration in modern defence technologies.
    

Conclusion:
 

The commissioning of INS Tushil marks a significant leap forward in the India-Russia defence relationship, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to advancing military technology and ensuring regional security. Equipped with state-of-the-art systems and technologies, INS Tushil enhances India’s naval capabilities and strengthens its position as a key player in the Indian Ocean Region. The collaboration between India and Russia in building such sophisticated platforms reflects the growing strategic ties and mutual commitment to peace and security.