The seventh frigate of the P1135.6 class was launched at the Yantar Shipyard in Russia’s Kaliningrad as said by the Indian navy on Friday.
During a ceremony, the ship was formally named Tushil which in Sanskrit means protector shield.
All about Tushil
India has signed a deal worth $2.5 billion with its top weapon supplier Russia for four more Krivak/Talwar class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy and Tushil is a part of it.
According to official statements, major Indian supplied equipment including sonar system, surface surveillance radar, surface to surface missiles, communication suite and anti-submarine warfare systems along with Russian surface to air missiles and gun mounts are being equipped by these ships.
In order to operate in Littoral and Blue waters, Indian and Russian Weapons and Sensors are equipped by the ships with a potent combination.
Deal with Russia
Based on an intergovernmental agreement between India and Russia a contract for the construction of two ships was signed between both Nations earlier this year under Project 1135.6. Among these two ships were to be constructed in Russia while two were to be made at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with the technology transfer from Russia.
Tushil is expected to be commissioned in the Indian Naval Forces by mid-2023 while its sister ship shall be commissioned at the end of that year as per officials.
Specific requirements
To meet the entire spectrum of naval warfare in the three dimensions of air, sub-surface and surface, the construction of these ships is based on specific requirements sought by the Indian Navy, according to the release.
In terms of low radar and underwater noise signatures, the ships feature “stealth technology”. The new Grigorovich-class frigates are reported to be powered by gas turbine engines which shall be supplied by a Ukrainian based firm.
India is currently in possession of around 13 frigate ships.
