INS Tushil Commissioned: A Milestone for India’s Naval Power Amid Ukraine-Russia Conflict

On December 9, India marked a significant enhancement of its naval capabilities with the commissioning of the INS Tushil at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ceremony was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the frigate as a “proud testament” to India’s expanding maritime strength and labeled the event a “significant milestone” in the enduring partnership between India and Russia.

The INS Tushil, which translates to “protector shield” in Sanskrit, is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 11356. It is poised to bolster the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy as it makes its way to India nearly ready for combat operations. According to naval officials, the vessel is among the most technologically advanced frigates globally.

The project timeline illustrates a robust journey: the ship’s keel was laid on July 12, 2013, with its launch occurring in October 2021. It embarked on its maiden sea trials in January and completed a rigorous suite of Factory and State Committee Trials, culminating in its Delivery Acceptance Trials by September 2024. The frigate has passed all required testing phases, including successful firing trials of its Russian weapon systems.

Project 11356 refers to the Talwar-class frigates designed for the Indian Navy, with the INS Tushil being a more advanced version of the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates in use by Russia. Between 1999 and 2013, Russia delivered six such frigates to India. The deal for the INS Tushil was finalized in October 2016, with initial expectations for its delivery by the end of 2022. However, delays in the supply chain, as explained by Alexey Rakhmanov of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, pushed back the timeline.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the INS Tushil is its reliance on Ukrainian-engineered components. The warship is powered by engines supplied by Zorya Mashproekt, a Ukrainian company renowned for its marine gas turbine production, which has become crucial amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This development has highlighted India’s strategic maneuvering; as production ties with Russia faced interruptions, India successfully negotiated an inter-governmental agreement to procure the engines directly from Ukraine to ensure the project’s progress.

The vessel’s name embodies its intended operational ethos, with its crest symbolizing the “impenetrable shield” and carrying the motto “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel,” which translates to fearless, indomitable, and resolute.

Expected to make waves in the Indian Navy’s capabilities, the INS Tushil is a 125-meter long ship with a displacement of 3,900 tons. It boasts impressive specifications that allow it to maintain a speed exceeding 30 knots. It is designed for stealth and is equipped with an array of advanced weaponry, including eight BrahMos vertically launched anti-ship cruise missiles, numerous surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm gun, and defensive systems to tackle missile incursions. Moreover, the vessel features double torpedo tubes and a rocket launcher for submarine engagements, complemented by a sophisticated suite of radars, navigation aids, sonar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Experts forecast that the INS Tushil will significantly enhance India’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean, providing an essential counter to China’s rising naval power in the region. As the Chinese navy continues to expand, some analysts suggest its combat readiness may challenge previous perceptions of US naval superiority.

Indeed, the commissioning of INS Tushil aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing a blend of indigenous and global technological advancements designed to meet contemporary security challenges and reinforce India’s strategic interests in an increasingly intricate geopolitical landscape.