INS Tushil

History

The Indian Navy will commission its advanced multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, on December 9, 2024, in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ceremony will be led by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, with senior Indian and Russian officials in attendance.

INS Tushil belongs to the upgraded Krivak III class (Project 1135.6) frigates, with six predecessors already in service. These include three Talwar-class ships built in St. Petersburg and three Teg-class ships built in Kaliningrad. INS Tushil, the seventh in the series, is the first of two follow-on ships contracted in October 2016 between India and Russia. Construction was overseen by Indian specialists at Kaliningrad, under the guidance of the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

The ship underwent extensive trials in 2024, including Factory Sea Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials, proving its systems and capabilities. During these trials, INS Tushil demonstrated impressive performance, achieving speeds over 30 knots. Upon arrival in India, it will be combat-ready.

The name "Tushil" means "protector shield," symbolizing defense and strength. Its crest depicts the ‘Abhedya Kavacham’ (impenetrable shield), and its motto, ‘Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel’ (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), reflects the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation.

This 125-meter, 3,900-ton warship is a blend of Indian and Russian technology, featuring enhanced stealth and stability. Collaboration with Indian OEMs has increased its indigenous content to 26%, with 33 made-in-India systems onboard. Key contributors include BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics Limited, Tata's Nova Integrated Systems, and others.

After commissioning, INS Tushil will join the Western Fleet, under the Western Naval Command, and stand as a testament to the Indian Navy’s growing capabilities and the enduring India-Russia partnership.

Specification

Basic Details

• Year of Service: 2026
• Origin: India
• Status: Program active
• Shipbuilder: Yantar Shipyard, Russia
• Class Size: 5
• Class Members: Admiral Grigorovich, Admiral Essen, Admiral Makarov, Admiral Kornilov, INS Tushil, INS Tamala
• Operator: Indian Navy

Capabilities

• Sea Bombing: Attacks on surface targets using ship-based ballistic weapons.
• Land Assault: Littoral strikes with ship-launched missiles.
• Sea Patrol: Protect critical waterways and deter maritime threats.
• Airspace Denial: Neutralize or deter aerial threats with missile systems.
• Fleet Support: Provide fire and logistical support to naval operations.

Notable Features

• Main Turret: Enhanced protection for primary armament.
• Air Defense: Systems to counter airborne threats.
• Over-the-Horizon Combat: Supported by helicopter-based reconnaissance.
• Missile Weapons: Long-range capabilities against air, sea, or land targets.
• Torpedo Launch: Target submarine threats at a distance.
• Anti-Submarine Missiles: Engage underwater targets with precision.

Dimensions and Weight

• Length: 124.79 meters (409.4 feet)
• Beam: 15.21 meters (49.9 feet)
• Draft: 4.21 meters (13.8 feet)
• Displacement: 3,620 tons

Power and Performance

• Propulsion: COGAG system with:
  • 2 x DS-71 turbines (8,450 hp) for cruising
  • 2 x DT-59 turbines (22,000 hp) for sprinting
• Speed: 30 knots (34.5 mph)
• Range: 4,866 nautical miles (9,012 km)

Armament

• 1 x 100mm A-190E-01 turreted gun
• 2 x 12-cell VLS for 3S90M Shtil-1 SAMs
• 2 x 4-cell VLS for BrahMos cruise missiles
• 8 x Igla-S MANPADS
• 2 x twin DTA-53-11356 torpedo tubes
• 2 x 30mm AK-630 CIWS
• 1 x RBU-6000 ASROC launcher

Aircraft

• 1 x Kamov Ka-27 helicopter (or equivalent) supported by a stern-based helipad.