INS Tushil: Indian Navy’s latest stealth Frigate commissioned with Russian Expertise.

According to information published by the Indian Government on December 9, 2024, the Indian Navy has taken a step in strengthening its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of INS Tushil (F 70), a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event, attended by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, marked a proud moment in the long-standing and strategic partnership between India and Russia.
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INS Tushil, the newest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, commissioned into the Indian Navy in Russia, symbolizing the enduring India-Russia strategic partnership. (Picture source: Aoosk)

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajnath Singh described INS Tushil as a symbol of India’s growing maritime strength and a shining example of the enduring collaboration between the two nations. He emphasized the ship's role in advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and acknowledged the increasing incorporation of Indian-made components in naval platforms like INS Tushil. This, he noted, reflects India's journey toward technological self-reliance, achieved through robust cooperation with Russian defense industries.

The Raksha Mantri highlighted the evolving ties between the Indian and Russian Navies, which continue to strengthen through technical and operational collaboration. He reiterated the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, where it has actively countered threats such as piracy, smuggling, and other maritime challenges. Shri Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), which underpins India’s maritime policy.

INS Tushil represents a major advancement in naval engineering. Its design integrates stealth capabilities and cutting-edge technology to enhance its operational effectiveness across multiple dimensions of naval warfare, including air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. It is equipped with advanced weaponry, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and vertically-launched surface-to-air missiles, making it a formidable addition to the Indian Navy. The frigate’s ability to operate upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters further enhances its operational reach.

The vessel's construction began in 2013, with its keel laid at Yantar Shipyard, followed by its launch in 2021. Over the years, INS Tushil has undergone exhaustive trials to ensure its combat readiness, completing its rigorous testing earlier this year.

Shri Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the commissioning of INS Tushil would pave the way for deeper cooperation between India and Russia in the defense sector. He emphasized the potential for both nations to explore new areas of collaboration, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, and counter-terrorism.

India-Russia relations

India and Russia share a historically robust defense relationship, rooted in the Cold War era when the Soviet Union was a significant military ally for India. This partnership has evolved from a basic buyer-seller dynamic into a comprehensive collaboration, encompassing joint development, production, and advanced technological exchanges. Today, their defense ties remain a cornerstone of bilateral relations, vital for India's military modernization and strategic autonomy.

India and Russia share a historically robust defense relationship, rooted in the Cold War era when the Soviet Union was a significant military ally for India. This partnership has evolved from a basic buyer-seller dynamic into a comprehensive collaboration, encompassing joint development, production, and advanced technological exchanges. Today, their defense ties remain a cornerstone of bilateral relations, vital for India's military modernization and strategic autonomy.

A defining feature of this relationship is Russia's status as one of India's primary defense suppliers. Major acquisitions include advanced systems such as the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system, which enhances India's air defense capabilities despite global scrutiny and sanctions on Russia. The long-standing partnership also extends to co-development projects like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.