First of two stealth frigates, Tushil, for Indian Navy launched in Russia

These are part of four additional frigates contracted, first likely to be delivered by mid-2023

First of two additional Krivak or Talwar class stealth frigates, Tushil, being built in Russia for the Indian Navy was formally launched into water, the Navy said on Friday. This is part of the four follow on frigates contracted by India from Russia of which two are being built by Russia and two under construction in India through technology transfer by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Launch of a ship from dry dock into water is significant as it marks the completion of the basic construction and the advanced construction and equipping of the ship would be done when the ship is floating.

The 7th Indian Navy Frigate of P1135.6 class was launched on October 28 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia in presence of D Bala Venkatesh Varma, Indian Envoy in Russia and other senior dignitaries, the Navy said in a statement. “During the ceremony, the ship was formally named as ‘Tushil’ by Ms. Datla Vidya Varma. Tushil is a Sanskrit word meaning Protector Shield,” it stated.