Russian shipyard on Baltic Sea to hand over guided-missile frigate to Indian

India Russia’s Historic Naval Collaboration

The Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, has officially handed over the INS Tushil, a guided-missile frigate, to the Indian Navy. This moment marks an important step in the strong defense relationship between India and Russia. The ceremony, held on December 9, showcases the deep ties and successful teamwork between the two nations in building advanced naval ships.

What Makes INS Tushil Special?

The INS Tushil is no ordinary naval ship. It is part of Project 11356, a special plan to build modern frigates for the Indian Navy. This project began in 1999 and highlights a long-lasting bond between the two countries. INS Tushil is the first of four ships built under this project specifically for India.

Initially, these frigates were meant for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. However, due to geopolitical challenges and Ukraine’s refusal to supply key turbines, plans changed. As a result, three ships were completed for the Russian Navy, and the remaining were redirected to India. This adaptation shows the flexibility and strong partnership between India and Russia in defense projects.

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Advanced Technology on INS Tushil

Each Project 11356 frigate is armed with powerful missiles. Russia’s frigates use Kalibr-NK or Oniks cruise missiles. However, the frigates for India, like INS Tushil, are equipped with BrahMos missiles. The BrahMos is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world and is a joint creation of Indian and Russian engineers. This cutting-edge weapon system makes INS Tushil a highly capable ship, strengthening India’s naval defense.

Strengthening Future Naval Cooperation

This successful handover highlights the promise of even stronger cooperation between India and Russia. The Yantar Shipyard has already built six similar frigates for India, proving its ability to meet India’s defense needs. As India works to boost its naval strength, this partnership ensures access to modern technology and skilled craftsmanship.

A Shared Goal: Regional Stability

The growing naval collaboration between the two nations also reflects their shared goal of maintaining peace and stability in the region. With more frigates under construction and plans for future projects, both countries are committed to protecting the Indian Ocean and surrounding areas from potential threats.