Indian Navy To Receive Stealth Frigate 'Tushil' In September, 'Tamal' By February 2025 From Russia

After much delay, two stealth frigates, Tushil and Tamal, under construction in Russia for the Indian Navy are set for imminent delivery, starting in September.

The delays were caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and Western sanctions, as per a report by The Hindu.

A defence official was quoted in the report stating, "The first ship, Tushil, is ready for acceptance by the Indian Navy and is scheduled for delivery by September. The commissioning crew arrived in Russia earlier this month. The second ship, Tamal, is expected to be delivered by February 2025."

In October 2016, India and Russia inked an inter-governmental agreement for four stealth frigates — two to be directly imported and two to be manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). A $1 billion deal was consequently finalised for the two frigates under direct purchase.

In November 2018, GSL inked a $500 million deal with Rosoboronexport of Russia for materials, design, and specialist assistance to locally build the two frigates.

In January 2019, the Indian Defence Ministry and GSL signed the contract.

According to the schedule, GSL is set to deliver the first ship in 2026, with the second one following six months later.

The fundamental make-up of the two frigates, initially lying at the Yantar shipyard in Russia and purchased by India, are now being completed.

The Indian Navy already operates six of these frigates, each weighing around 4,000 tonnes.