India Deploys Stealth Warships as Stealth Jet Waits
India may still be years away from inducting a fifth-generation stealth fighter, but its naval domain has leapt forward with the commissioning of advanced stealth-capable ships like INS Tushil and INS Surat, which are said to evade advanced air-defence systems such as Russia’s S‑500 and carry weaponry to challenge F‑35, Su‑57, and China’s J‑35A fighter jets.
🛡️ INS Tushil: Russia-Built Stealth Frigate
Commissioned on December 9, 2024, the INS Tushil is a Project 11356 stealth-guided missile frigate built in Russia. It incorporates low-observable design features for radar evasion. Equipped with BrahMos missiles and modern sensors, it enhances India’s maritime strike and defensive reach theprint.in+6sputniknews.in+6reddit.com+6deftechtimes.comen.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
⚓ INS Surat: AI-Enabled Destroyer
INS Surat, part of India’s P‑15B stealth destroyer class, was commissioned recently. She is the Indian Navy’s first AI-enabled warship, blending stealth, speed, and sophisticated electronic systems, boosting fleet capabilities and survivability en.wikipedia.org.
📉 Stealth in Maritime Domain vs Air
While India awaits its AMCA stealth jet, projected to enter service only by 2035 business-standard.com, the focus on stealth has shifted to ships. These naval assets are designed to operate below radar detection thresholds, enabling them to approach enemy air-defences like S‑500 undetected—a significant tactical advantage in future maritime conflicts.
🌐 Strategic Counter to Fifth-Gen Fighters
INS Tushil and Surat are equipped to launch anti-ship missiles and integrated air-defence countermeasures against platforms like the F‑35, Su‑57, and J‑35A. With long-range sensors and stealth hulls, they can detect and track incoming threats while remaining elusive—a naval complement to airborne stealth reddit.com+5sputniknews.in+5economictimes.indiatimes.com+5indiatimes.com.
⚠️ Fighter-Jet Gap Persists
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force continues to operate primarily 4th generation jets like Su‑30MKI and Rafales. India is exploring interim options like Su‑57 co-production with Russia or evaluating the F‑35, but remains committed to the homegrown AMCA program en.wikipedia.org+13reuters.com+13armyrecognition.com+13.
✅ Naval Stealth Bolsters Maritime Deterrence
Deployment of INS Tushil and Surat reflects India’s maritime strategy—project power and deterrence at sea while its air arm fills the stealth gap. These platforms enhance fleet operational flexibility, allowing stealth insertion and missile launch capability in contested zones.
🔭 Looking Ahead
Over the next decade, India aims to complete its AMCA stealth jet, potentially restoring parity in aerial stealth. In the interim, its stealth ships provide a critical strategic buffer, ensuring India’s Navy can operate imperceptibly and strike effectively in a rapidly evolving regional military landscape.
