Context: Stealth guided missile frigate INS Tushil was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia.
RELEVANCE OF THE TOPIC Prelims: Key facts about INS Tushil.
Background:
- In October 2016, India and Russia signed a deal for four stealth frigates, two to be built in Russia and two to be constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited under technology transfer.
- INS Tushil is the first of the two ships to be constructed in Russia.
- The second frigate Tamal is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in Russia in the first quarter of 2025.
Key Facts about INS Tushil:
- INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate (warship) under Project 1135.6.
- Specification: 125-metre-long, 3,900-tonne ship.
- All Krivak frigates are powered by engines from Zorya Nashproekt of Ukraine.
- Operational capabilities: Designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic.
- Armament and Technology: It is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including:
- Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles (jointly developed by India-Russia)
- Vertically-launched Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles with enhanced ranges
- Medium-range anti-air and surface gun with advanced stealth features
- Optically-controlled close-range rapid fire gun system
- Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets
- Advanced electronic warfare and communication suite.
- The ship is also capable of embarking the upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31.
- Speed: Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion plant with state-of-the-art controls, it is capable of achieving speeds in exceeding 30 knots.
Significance:
- INS Tushil reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Reflects collaborative prowess of Russian and Indian industries and technological excellence through jointmanship.