The Indian Navy has welcomed its latest addition, INS Tushil (F 70), a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, into its fleet. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Yantar Shipyard, was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime capabilities. INS Tushil is the seventh frigate in the Project 1135.6 series and the first of the upgraded follow-on class ships designed for operations across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic dimensions.
Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the induction of INS Tushil a “proud testament to India’s growing maritime strength.” He also emphasized the deep-rooted Indo-Russian partnership, underpinned by shared values and mutual trust. Singh lauded Russia’s support for India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), noting that the ship embodies the collaborative strength of Indian and Russian industries.
“The increasing ‘Made in India’ content in ships like INS Tushil highlights our journey towards technological self-reliance and excellence through joint efforts,” Singh stated.
About INS Tushil
Named “Tushil,” meaning” protector shield,” the frigate’s crest symbolizes the ‘Abhedya Kavacham’ (impenetrable shield). It belongs to the upgraded Krivak III class frigates under Project 1135.6, with six predecessors – three Talwar-class and three Teg-class frigates – already in service. INS Tushil is the first of two additional follow-on ships contracted in October 2016 between India, Russia, and JSC Rosoboronexport.
Cutting-Edge Features
INS Tushil is engineered for blue-water operations and equipped with a formidable array of advanced weaponry and systems, including:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, jointly developed by India and Russia.
- Shtil Surface-to-Air Missiles with extended ranges.
- Upgraded medium-range guns, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rockets.
- Advanced electronic warfare systems, stealth technology, and a sophisticated communication suite.
The ship can also deploy Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters, enhancing its anti-submarine and airborne early-warning capabilities. Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion system, it can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots, offering high manoeuvrability and survivability.
Focus on Indigenous Systems
INS Tushil sets itself apart by incorporating a higher percentage of Indian-origin systems, reflecting India’s drive for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Indigenous components now account for 26% of the ship, a significant increase from its predecessors. Key Indian suppliers include – BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems, Elcome Marine, Johnson Controls India and others. This shift represents a substantial leap forward in India’s naval engineering capabilities.
Leadership and Future Prospects
Commanded by Captain Peter Varghese, a gunnery and missile operations specialist, INS Tushil is poised to bolster India’s maritime prowess. As India continues to expand its naval footprint, the commissioning of INS Tushil underscores the country’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests while strengthening strategic alliances.
Ravi Shankar
