Defence Ministry signs Rs 498.58 crore contract to upgrade INS Betwa
Cochin Shipyard Limited will replace the Brahmaputra-class frigate's steam-based propulsion system with a diesel-engine-based system.
The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 498.58 crore agreement with Cochin Shipyard Limited on Wednesday to refit and re-power the Indian Navy warship INS Betwa, according to The Times of India.
The Brahmaputra-class frigate will undergo a transformation where its current steam-based propulsion is replaced by a diesel-engine-based system. The project also includes installing a modernised weapons suite to improve combat capabilities.
The ministry stated that the initiative supports the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' visions by reinforcing domestic naval maintenance and modernisation. The project is expected to involve more than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and create employment in the shipbuilding and ancillary industries.
INS Betwa is a 3,600-tonne guided missile frigate that entered service on July 7, 2004. The vessel is 125 metres long, can exceed speeds of 30 knots, and is operated by 40 officers and 330 sailors.
The warship currently carries various guns, torpedo launchers, maritime surveillance sensors, and surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.