Moscow: The Russian-built guided-missile frigate Tushil will be commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 9. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present in the function organized on this occasion. Russian state media Sputnik has reported that Rajnath Singh may visit Russia in the first week of December to attend this event. The commissioning ceremony of INS Tushil will be held at Yantar Shipyard, Russia. This warship will be the first of four frigates being built for the Indian Navy.
INS Tushil is a Talwar class frigate.
INS Tushil is a Talwar class frigate. It is also known as Project 11356. It is a class of stealth guided missile frigates designed and built by Russia for the Indian Navy. The Talwar class guided missile frigates are upgraded variants of the Krivak III class (Project 1135) frigates used by the Russian Coast Guard. This design has been further developed as the Admiral Grigorovich class frigate for the Russian Navy. Six ships were built in two batches between 1999 and 2013.
India had signed the agreement in 2016
India had signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with Russia in October, 2016 to purchase/build four additional Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356M) frigates through a partnership between Russian and Indian shipyards. Russia will supply two frigates, INS Tushil and INS Tamala, while the other two will be built in India. Under the intergovernmental agreement, Russia will provide technical assistance in setting up production of Project 11356 frigates in India.
Know the features of INS Tushil
Talwar class frigates like INS Tushil have a low radar signature. They make less noise even under water. This increases their stealth capability significantly. These ships are equipped with major equipment supplied by India such as surface-to-surface missiles, sonar systems, surface surveillance radars, communication suites and anti-submarine warfare systems as well as Russian surface-to-air missiles and Being equipped with gun mount.
Know the top speed of INS Tushil
INS Tushil is designed to engage submarines and warships in brown and blue waters and independently repel air attacks. INS Tushil has a displacement of 3620 tons. Its length is 124.8 meters. INS Tushil has a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising range of 4850 miles.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert on the Commissioning of INS Tushil
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening and welcome to our special segment. Today, we have an exciting topic to discuss—the commissioning of the Russian-built guided-missile frigate INS Tushil into the Indian Navy. Joining us is Dr. Sanjay Mehta, a defense expert with extensive knowledge of naval warfare. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mehta.
Dr. Sanjay Mehta (DSM): Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The INS Tushil is set to be commissioned on December 9. Can you provide some insights into its significance for the Indian Navy?
DSM: Absolutely. The commissioning of INS Tushil, a Talwar class frigate, marks a significant enhancement in India’s naval capabilities. This vessel is designed to operate in harsh maritime conditions and ensures that India can project power and maintain security in key areas of the Indian Ocean and beyond.
TNE: The Talwar class is notably an upgraded variant of the Krivak III class frigates. What improvements have been made in the Talwar class?
DSM: The Talwar class features advanced stealth capabilities which make it harder to detect on radar. The frigate is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems, including guided missiles capable of hitting targets over great distances. The modernization also includes enhanced sensors and combat management systems, providing the crew with superior situational awareness.
TNE: That sounds impressive. How does the commissioning ceremony tie into broader Indo-Russian defense ties?
DSM: That’s a great question. The attendance of Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Russia signifies the ongoing strong defense cooperation between India and Russia. This partnership has deep historical roots and is vital for India, especially in maintaining a balanced power dynamic in the region. The commissioning of INS Tushil is a tangible manifestation of that collaboration.
TNE: Speaking of Rajnath Singh’s potential visit to Russia, what might that symbolize in terms of diplomatic relations?
DSM: His visit underlines the importance of military diplomacy. High-profile engagements like this one help in reinforcing commitment to joint projects and can pave the way for future collaborations. It can also serve as a signal to other nations regarding India’s strategic partnerships and military modernization efforts.
TNE: It’s fascinating to see this level of international cooperation. Now, with the INS Tushil being one of four frigates being constructed, what does this mean for the Indian Navy’s future fleet composition?
DSM: The addition of the Talwar class frigates greatly enhances the Indian Navy’s operational flexibility and combat readiness. With the increasing focus on maritime security, these frigates will play a critical role in patrolling sea lanes and safeguarding interests against threats. It sets the groundwork for a modernized and more capable fleet in the coming years.
TNE: It certainly sounds like a turning point for the Indian Navy. In your opinion, how could this development impact regional security dynamics?
DSM: The commissioning of INS Tushil and subsequent frigates could shift the balance of power in the Indian Ocean, particularly concerning China’s growing naval presence. A stronger Indian Navy may deter aggressive maneuvers by potential adversaries and encourage collaborative security frameworks among friendly nations in the region.
TNE: Dr. Mehta, your insights have been incredibly enlightening. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this pivotal moment for the Indian Navy.
DSM: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for maritime security, and I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
TNE: Stay tuned to Time.news for further updates on this story and other important developments in defense and security. Thank you for watching.