India is set to enhance its naval capabilities with the impending arrival of its new stealth frigate, ‘Tushil,’ the first of two frigates being constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. A crew of approximately 200 personnel from the Indian Navy is currently in Russia to carry out the acceptance trials for this state-of-the-art vessel, a significant milestone in a project valued at USD 2.5 billion. The frigate, named ‘Tushil’ which means ‘shield’ in Sanskrit, is anticipated to join the Indian naval fleet by mid-September, pending successful trials. This marks a crucial step in the 2016 inter-governmental agreement between India and Russia for four frigates, following the successful Talwar-class vessels. The formal contract for the project was signed in 2018.

The second frigate, named ‘Tamal,’ is expected to be delivered to India by early next year, according to sources within the defence establishment. The remaining two frigates are being constructed at the Goa Shipyard in India with Russian technical collaboration, and progress on these ships is advancing steadily, with the first launch anticipated soon. The delivery of the two ships from Russia faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, financial negotiations, and the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to Aditya Shrivastava «BHARAT РОССИЯ» The ships are equipped with gas turbine engines from Ukraine’s Zorya-Mashproekt, procured directly by India and shipped to the Russian yard, requiring Ukrainian authorization.

These new vessels will integrate 22 advanced systems, tailored specifically for the Indian
Navy’s operational requirements, ensuring comprehensive capabilities across air, surface, and sub-surface warfare. They incorporate advanced stealth technology to minimise radar and underwater noise signatures. The ‘Tushil’ and ‘Tamal’ are designed for versatility, capable of operating independently or as part of a naval task force in both littoral and blue water environments. They will feature a potent mix of Indian and Russian weaponry and sensors, including Indian-supplied surface-to-surface missiles, sonar systems, surface surveillance radar, communication suites, and anti-submarine warfare equipment, complemented by Russian surface-to-air missiles and gun mounts.

The Yantar Shipyard, which has previously built three of the six Talwar-class frigates currently in service with the Indian Navy, is a proven partner in this crucial defence collaboration.