- India’s increasing emphasis on independence through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative is in line with INS Tushil’s induction under the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate project.
- The INS Tushil’s commissioning exemplifies the robust defence partnership between Russia and India and aligns with India’s long-term defence plan to enhance the nation’s naval capabilities.
- INS Tushil’s cutting-edge weaponry includes a 100 mm naval cannon, Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos, and Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) to intercept incoming missiles and aircraft.
The Indian Navy’s newest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, was put into service on December 9, 2024. This is a historic time in India-Russia navy modernization and defence cooperation. Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi were among the important dignitaries who attended the commissioning event, which took place at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
The Raksha Mantri The ship is a “proud testament to India’s growing maritime strength” and a “significant milestone” in the long-standing defence alliance between Russia and India, according to Shri Rajnath Singh. He added, “SAGAR is a symbol of India’s commitment towards collective security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region; We have always received Russia’s support in this endeavor.”
The INS Tushil’s commissioning exemplifies the robust defence partnership between Russia and India and aligns with India’s long-term defence plan to enhance the nation’s naval capabilities. The spirit of India’s maritime culture is embodied in the theme “Sham No Varunah”—May the Lord of Water Be Auspicious Unto Us—and the Russian naval philosophy of “Strength in Truth” throughout this ceremony, which further solidified the shared vision.
They accompany bigger ships, such as aircraft carriers. They use both sonar and torpedoes in their anti-submarine warfare. Along with observation and surveillance for all maritime activities, they also offer air defence by introducing sophisticated missile systems. Additionally, they perform various tasks, including providing humanitarian aid, preventing piracy, and serving as task force command and control. With its cutting-edge capabilities, INS Tushil exemplifies these functions and is essential to the Indian Navy.
The state-of-the-art technology of INS Tushil minimizes its radar cross-section by incorporating stealth elements. Thus, reducing the likelihood of hostile detection maximizes survivability. Among its cutting-edge weaponry are Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for targeted attacks.
Its cutting-edge weaponry includes a 100 mm naval cannon for surface combat, Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles for medium-range air defence, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for precision strikes, and Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) to intercept incoming missiles and aircraft. Additionally, it has RBU-6000 rocket launchers and torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare.
The frigate is outfitted with sophisticated radar and sensor systems, such as a fire control radar for accurate aiming and a 3D air surveillance radar for long-range aerial threat detection. Its DS-71 and DT-59 gas turbines power its Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system, which allows it to reach speeds of over 30 knots and an operational range of 5,600 nautical miles, making it appropriate for long-duration missions.
Important Factors in India’s Maritime Power
India’s increasing emphasis on independence through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative is in line with INS Tushil’s induction under the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate project. The project, built in Russia but involved cooperation with Indian industry, demonstrated the two countries’ complementary defence production capabilities. A “proud testament to India’s maritime strength” and a “significant milestone” in India-Russia relations, the frigate was commissioned by Rajnath Singh. According to him, it demonstrated India’s developing defence capabilities’ sophisticated systems and growing Indigenous content.
India-Russia Agreements and Commissioning of INS Tushil India and Russia have long been defence partners and have reached a milestone with the commissioning of INS Tushil, which is part of larger India-Russia agreements under the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate initiative.
These agreements, which include a $1 billion deal to import two frigates built in Russia and a $500 million order for frigates manufactured by GSL, demonstrate that India is committed to promoting domestic military manufacturing. With its cutting-edge propulsion, stealth characteristics, and weaponry, INS Tushil demonstrates India’s dedication to boosting its operational preparedness and maritime might. Its commissioning enhances India’s position as a significant maritime force in the Indian Ocean Region and represents a significant advancement in navy modernization.
References:
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2082369
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/missile-frigate-ins-tushil-inducted-into-indian-navy-in-russia/articleshow/116141157.cms?from=mdr
Piyush Anand is a Biotechnology Engineering student at Chandigarh University. His primary interest lies in International Affairs, Defence and Strategy. Views expressed at the author’s own.
Dr. Niranjan B Poojar 
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