Background
Frigates are a type of warship which were intermediate between corvettes and destroyers. This has been playing a significant role in the naval history of India. Initially, the concept of frigates was introduced by the British. However, currently, 14 classes of frigates are operated in the Indian navy and those were the Shivalik class, Talwar class, Brahmaputra class and Godavari class.
Talwar-class frigates
Talwar-class frigate, which was also known as Project 11356, was also a stealth-guided missile frigate which was built by Russia for the Indian navy. Therefore, this was considered as the upgraded version of the III class (Project 1135).
In this contest, it was reported that India and Russia has been signed an Inter-governmental agreement in the year of 2016 for the four frigates. As per the deal, India imported two stealth frigates from India and two manufactured in the Goa shipyard. The imported ships were Tushil and Tamal which belonged to the Talwar-class vessels. The name of the first ship Tushil was derived from the Sanskrit word “shield”.
Reason for the delay in receiving the first delivery from Russia
Russia agreed to deliver two stealth frigates to India, which were under construction. However, Russia fails to complete the delivery on time. During the Covid-19 and the war between Ukraine and Russia. This further created payment issues between India and Russia. Other than this war between the country and Ukraine further was the reason for the conflict to continue the process of manufacturing the ship.
Additionally, the ongoing war in Ukraine created supply issues. The gas turbine engines which were fitted on the ship were sourced from Zorya-Mashproekt in Ukraine. On the other hand, in the year of 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, which increased tension between Russia and Ukraine, for which Russia was not able to procure the necessary engines from Ukraine directly. Therefore, to continue the manufacturing process India was required to procure the engines from Ukraine with permission and needed to send them to Russia.
After delays, India finally received the stealth frigate Tushil
It was delayed by the Russian government that the first shop, Tushil, was ready to be accepted by the Indian Navy by September. Therefore, this ship is built under the project 1135.6. It was reported that the ship was built under Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This ship has made with numerous features it able to reduce the radar sound and has with infrared signature, which makes opponents difficult to detect.
Along with this ships were made with advanced weapons of surface-to-surface, anti-submarine missiles, surface to air which were essential to counterpart the opponent in any situation. Additionally, it along with advanced weaponry with electronic warfare or sensors. By getting this ship, the Indian Navy has been capable of enhancing their self-reliance, and it supports improving their strength.
These frigates are follow-on of Teg & Talwar class ships acquired from Russia & are now being constructed #indigenously by an Indian Shipyard. The Triput class ships are 125 m long & 15 m wide, with displacement of approx 3600 tons & capable of operating at 28 knots. pic.twitter.com/YnQY5DGvLv
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 24, 2024Therefore, it was noted that Tushil is going through sea trials in Russia, and it was accepted to be delivered to the Indian government in September 2024. Along with this, it was reported that the other shipyard, INS Tamal, was delivered in February 2025. By getting this shipyard the Indian Navy has been capable of improving their maritime security.
Moreover, through the help of this advanced frigate, the Indian Navy has been able to handle a variety of missions, which consisted of maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, through this, it was concluded that India, by getting this frigate, would be able to increase its power projection in the Indo-Pacific region. Along with this, it supports the Indian navy to enhance its modernisation and strength. Moreover, this deal supports the Indian navy to enhance its strategic defence ties with Russia and support India to improve its maritime security.
