INS Tushil: A Stealth Frigate with Russian Build, Ukrainian Engines

Despite the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, both countries collaborated to build a warship for India. India took delivery of the INS Tushil, an advanced stealth missile frigate on Monday, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Moscow.

INS Tushil: A Valuable Addition to India’s Navy

INS Tushil is the first of two warships India ordered from Russia in 2016. It is a Krivak III-class frigate, an upgraded version of Russia’s stealth missile warships. India already operates six such ships, all built in Russia. In addition to the two being constructed in Russia, two similar ships will also be built in India, likely at Goa Shipyard.

A Russian Ship with Ukrainian Engines

What sets INS Tushil apart is the unique collaboration between Russia and Ukraine. While the ship itself is built in Russia, its gas turbines come from Ukraine. Zorya-Mashproekt, a leading Ukrainian company, manufactures the turbines. Despite the ongoing conflict, India successfully procured these engines from Ukraine and delivered them to Russia for installation. However, this process caused some delays in the ship’s completion.

INS Tushil’s Features and Symbolism

INS Tushil is a multi-role, stealth-guided missile frigate. The name “Tushil” means “protector shield,” emphasizing the ship’s role in defending India’s maritime borders. Its motto, “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel” (Fearless, Indomitable, and Resolute), reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to national security.

The ship is 125 meters long and weighs 3,900 tonnes. It underwent several sea trials, including factory and state trials starting in January 2024. During these trials, the ship reached a speed of over 30 knots (55 km/h). Once commissioned, it will join the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy.

INS Tushil’s Role in Enhancing India’s Naval Power

INS Tushil is part of the Krivak III-class frigates under Project 11356. India has already received six such ships from Russia between 1999 and 2013. The delivery of INS Tushil marks the seventh ship in this class and the first of two upgraded versions. The Indian government signed the contract for these ships with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport in 2016. Indian experts continuously monitored the construction of the ship in Russia.

Addressing the Growing China Challenge

While INS Tushil strengthens India’s naval fleet, the delivery of the second ship will take more time. This ship is crucial as India faces the growing challenge of China’s rapidly expanding naval power. China’s navy has now become the largest in the world, surpassing even the US Navy in size. This is particularly significant in the Indian Ocean, where India’s strategic location is vital.

As a result, India must continue to build its naval strength to counter China’s expanding fleet. INS Tushil is a significant step in enhancing India’s naval capabilities and maintaining dominance in the region.