The Indian Navy has welcomed its newest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil (F 70), commissioned at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, today on 9th December 2024 in a ceremony attended by Indian Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. This marks an important milestone in India's increasing maritime strength and further strengthens the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
In his speech, Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the commissioning of INS Tushil as a proud testament to India's expanding naval capabilities. He also emphasized the long-standing ties between India and Russia, highlighting the collaborative work between the two nations in defense and technology. "The ship is a big proof of the cooperative prowess of Russian and Indian industries," Singh stated, noting the increasing "Made in India" content in Indian naval ships like INS Tushil.
The frigate, a part of the upgraded Krivak III class (Project 1135.6), is the latest addition to a series of ships constructed under the India-Russia defense collaboration. The ship is armed with a range of advanced weaponry, including Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil Surface-to-Air Missiles, and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems, making it an intimidating asset for the Indian Navy in blue water operations.
INS Tushil's design ensures its ability to operate across all naval warfare dimensions: air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic. The ship also integrates advanced stealth features and high automation, which improves its combat effectiveness and survivability. Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion plant, the frigate can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots, ensuring rapid deployment across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Shri Rajnath Singh restated India's dedication to security and growth in the region through its maritime strategy, which aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR). The Indian Navy, he stated, has played a key role in ensuring the safety of maritime trade and addressing challenges like piracy and smuggling across vital maritime routes, from the Gulf of Oman to the Malacca Strait.
During the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, congratulated the personnel involved in the project, acknowledging the outstanding teamwork between Russian and Indian industries. The event was also attended by senior administrators from both the Indian and Russian governments, including Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Mr. Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, and Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy.
INS Tushil’s commissioning stresses the deepening defense collaboration between India and Russia, with a focus on jointly developing advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Space Exploration. As both nations continue to boost their strategic partnership, the commissioning of INS Tushil marks a new era in naval collaboration, positioning the Indian Navy as a key player in ensuring regional maritime security and promoting sustainable growth in the Indian Ocean Region.
The ship, commanded by Captain Peter Varghese, is now ready to undertake operational duties and will soon set sail for India, nearing combat readiness after a vast series of trials and weapon system tests conducted since its launch in 2021. (PR)