SOURCE: AFI
In a significant milestone for India-Russia defense cooperation, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to induct the guided-missile frigate Tushil on December 9 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This highly anticipated induction, reported by Sputnik India, marks the arrival of the first of four advanced frigates under construction for the Indian Navy, strengthening India’s maritime capabilities amid evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Tushil frigate, an advanced stealth ship equipped with state-of-the-art weapons systems, is part of Project 11356, a collaborative effort between Russia and India to enhance the Indian Navy’s surface combatant fleet. These guided-missile frigates are designed for multi-role functionality, capable of executing air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat missions with agility and precision. The frigate’s Russian name, Tushil, aptly signifies “protector” in Sanskrit, symbolizing its intended role in safeguarding India’s maritime borders and interests.
The induction of Tushil comes at a time when India is intensifying its focus on maritime security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. As the first in a series of four frigates, Tushil will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational flexibility and expand its reach in safeguarding national interests in vital sea lanes. Its capabilities are especially relevant in a climate where regional tensions and challenges to freedom of navigation require a potent naval presence.