INS Tushil (F 70), India’s newest multi-role guided missile frigate, was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 9, 2024, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the ceremony, highlighting the event as a proud testament to India’s expanding maritime capabilities.
Singh emphasized the significance of the commissioning as a milestone in the enduring friendship between India and Russia, underpinned by shared values, mutual trust, and a special strategic privileged partnership.
Rajnath Singh said: “Made in India content is continuously increasing in many ships including INS Tushil. The ship is proof of the collaborative prowess of Russian and Indian industries. It exemplifies India’s journey towards technological excellence through jointmanship.”
He reasserted the Indian Navy’s commitment to peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). “Our Navy has foiled the designs of piracy, arms and drug smugglers and non-state actors in various hotspots. From the Gulf of Oman to the Gulf of Aden, from Suez to Malacca and from Australia to Madagascar, the Indian Navy is playing the essential role of a net security provider in IOR,” he said.
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During the commissioning of INS Tushil (F 70), Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi congratulated everyone involved in the project, especially the shipyard workers and Russian and Indian OEMs. He commended their outstanding efforts in achieving flawless integration of Indian and Russian systems, resulting in significant capability upgrades.
The ceremony began with a joint Guard of Honour presented by the ship’s crew and Russia’s Baltic Fleet personnel. The Commanding Officer designate of INS Tushil symbolically received a ceremonial baton from his Russian counterpart and read the Commissioning Warrant addressed to him by Admiral Tripathi. The ship was officially commissioned with the hoisting of the Indian Naval ensign.
INS Tushil: Indian Navy’s Advanced Krivak III Class Frigates
According to Ajaishukla, INS Tushil, the seventh ship in the upgraded Krivak III class frigates under Project 1135.6, is a cutting-edge addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet. The first of two follow-on ships contracted in 2016, it follows six predecessors, three Talwar-class frigates and three Teg-class frigates. Built at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, INS Tushil is tailored for blue-water operations and excels across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic warfare.
The frigate boasts a formidable arsenal, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched Shtil Surface-to-Air Missiles, advanced stealth medium-range guns, close-range rapid-fire systems, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rockets.
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It integrates upgraded Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters for anti-submarine and airborne early warning roles, enhancing its versatility. Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion system, the ship achieves speeds exceeding 30 knots.
Commanded by Captain Peter Varghese, a missile and gunnery specialist, INS Tushil underwent rigorous trials since its keel was laid in 2013. After its launch in October 2021 and maiden sea trials in January 2024, it completed exhaustive testing, including weapon firing trials, and is set to arrive in India combat-ready.
As per cnbctv18, INS Tushil shows great progress in using Indian-made systems. With the help of Indian naval experts and the Severnoye Design Bureau, the ship now has 26% of its components made in India, and the number of Indian-made systems has increased to 33. This reflects India’s efforts to become more self-reliant in defense production.
Many Indian companies contributed to this project, such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, Tata’s Nova Integrated Systems, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India. Their work helped make INS Tushil a modern and advanced warship.
