After a series of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and Western sanctions, two stealth frigates under construction in Russia for the Indian Navy are set for delivery, starting this September.
The first ship, Tushil, is ready for acceptance, and the commissioning crew has already arrived in Russia earlier this month.
Next year, the second ship, Tamal, is expected to be delivered.
The Tushil’s Acceptance Trials
In 2016, India signed an inter-governmental agreement with Russia for the construction of four frigates, a follow-on of the Talwar-class vessels.
The contract was finalized in 2018. The first ship, Tushil, named after the Sanskrit word for “shield,” will undergo acceptance trials by a crew of about 200 Indian Navy personnel in Russia. If all goes well, Tushil should be delivered by mid-September.
Overcoming Challenges
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The construction and delivery of these ships faced numerous hurdles. Initially slated for delivery at the end of 2022, the timelines were pushed back due to the global COVID-19 crisis, payment issues between India and Russia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Notably, the gas turbine engines fitted on these ships are sourced from Ukraine’s Zorya-Mashproekt. Due to strained relations between Russia and Ukraine following Crimea’s reunification with Russia in 2014, India had to procure these engines directly and transfer them to Russia, requiring Ukrainian permission.
Collaboration and Technological Integration
The agreement entails building two ships in Russia and two at the Goa Shipyard in India, with technical collaboration from Russia.
The Yantar Shipyard in Russia, responsible for the construction of Tushil and Tamal, has previously manufactured three of the six Talwar-class frigates currently in service with the Indian Navy.
The frigates under this deal will feature 22 new systems, including Indian-specific navigation, communication, and weaponry.
Advanced Capabilities and Strategic Importance
The new frigates are designed to meet the entire spectrum of naval warfare in all three dimensions—air, surface, and sub-surface.
Equipped with stealth technology to reduce radar and underwater noise signatures, these ships boast a potent combination of Indian and Russian weapons and sensors.
Major Indian-supplied equipment includes surface-to-surface missiles, sonar systems, surface surveillance radar, communication suites, and anti-submarine warfare systems, complemented by Russian surface-to-air missiles and gun mounts.
Significance of the Frigates
These frigates are crucial for enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Ten frigates are being operated by the Indian Navy; there is a requirement of almost 24 to meet its strategic needs. The introduction of Tushil and Tamal will help bridge this gap, bolstering India’s maritime defence.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The launch ceremony for Tushil took place on October 28, 2021, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, attended by prominent Indian and Russian officials.
The name Tushil, meaning ‘Protector Shield’ in Sanskrit, was given by Mrs. Datla Vidya Varma.
Talwar Class Frigates
The Talwar-class frigates are a class of guided-missile frigates designed and built by Russia for the Indian Navy. These modified Krivak III-class frigates form the basis of the Russian Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate.
The new ships will incorporate advanced technologies and sensors, including the BrahMos missiles, a joint venture between India and Russia, replacing the 3M-54E Klub-N anti-ship missiles.
Addressing Engine Requirements
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India has directly procured M90FR gas turbines from Ukraine to power these frigates. These engines, built by Ukraine’s Zorya-Mashproekt, will be fitted on board the frigates at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
As Tushil and Tamal join the Indian Navy, they will significantly enhance maritime defence and operational readiness, reflecting India’s commitment to securing its maritime interests and maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
