Russia launched a military frigate powered by Ukrainian engines acquired during the war.
India has held the commissioning ceremony for the military vessel INS Tushil in the Russian city of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea, at the "Yantar" shipbuilding plant. The frigate was officially accepted into the Indian Navy on December 9 of this year, with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance. Soon, the frigate will join the Western Naval Command of India, reports The Telegraph.
However, it's important to note that this missile frigate of the Indian Navy, delivered in Russia, is equipped with engines from a Ukrainian company. Additionally, its gas turbines were manufactured by the Ukrainian enterprise "Zorya-Mashproekt," which is a global leader in the field of marine power installations.
India purchased components from Ukraine and delivered them to Russia for installation. Despite Western sanctions and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian company fulfilled its contract.
"This military vessel exemplifies India's journey towards technological excellence through collaboration," said the head of India's Ministry of Defense, while also describing the geopolitical relationship between India and Russia as a "privileged partnership."
At the same time, a senior Indian defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, boasted about his country's geopolitical agility, having successfully facilitated the shipment of Ukrainian engines to the aggressor nation amidst the full-scale war of Russia in Ukraine.
"The Indian Navy, with the support of the government, ensured the smoothness of our interests by leveraging bilateral agreements with both countries," he proudly stated.
History of Cooperation Between Ukraine, India, and Russia
The roots of cooperation among India, Russia, and Ukraine date back to 2013 when Tushil and its sister ship Tamala were initially intended for the Russian fleet under the 11356R Adml Grigorovich project. However, the annexation of Crimea in 2014 disrupted the production chain as Ukraine imposed sanctions, halting the supply of critical components.
This paralyzed Russian shipbuilding projects for larger vessels, including the frigates "Admiral Butakov" and "Admiral Istomin." In 2016, India intervened by entering into an agreement with the Russian "Rosoboronexport" for the acquisition of unfinished military ships. The $2.2 billion contract included provisions for the construction of two additional frigates in India under a licensing agreement.
A critical element of the agreement required India to negotiate with Ukraine for the direct purchase of turbines, which were subsequently delivered to the Russian shipyard "Yantar" for installation.
Super-Powered Military Frigate
The new Indian frigate weighs four thousand tons and represents a blend of Russian hull design and Ukrainian power systems.
Since January 2024, the military vessel has undergone a series of sea, factory, and state committee tests during which it achieved an impressive speed of over 30 knots (55 km/h). It will be delivered to India in a combat-ready state.
It ranks among the most technologically advanced frigates in the world. The ship is designed for operations on water, underwater, and in the air. It is armed with a range of advanced weaponry, including:
- supersonic cruise missiles BrahMos,
- vertical launch surface-to-air missiles with extended range,
- upgraded medium-range air and surface gun with enhanced stealth capabilities,
- optically guided close-in weapon system, anti-submarine torpedoes,
- advanced electronic warfare and communication systems.
This military vessel is intended to counter regional challenges facing India, such as the growing maritime presence of China.