In a major boost to the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, will undergo a major propulsion system transformation and combat capability upgrade under a ₹498.58 crore contract signed between the defence ministry and Cochin Shipyard Limited.
The refit will involve the replacement of the warship's existing steam-based propulsion system with a diesel-engine-based propulsion system, offering significantly higher thermal efficiency, lower fuel consumption and quicker startup times.
The project will also include the upgradation of INS Betwa's combat capabilities through the installation of a modernised weapon suite, thereby enhancing the ship's operational effectiveness, the defence ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
The defence ministry signed the contract for the Normal Refit and Re-powering of INS Betwa in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
Apart from improving the warship's operational efficiency and combat capabilities, the project will further strengthen indigenous capabilities in the ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, particularly in undertaking complex propulsion system transformation and modernisation of naval platforms.
The project is expected to involve more than 50 MSMEs and generate significant employment opportunities across the Indian shipbuilding and ancillary industries.
It will also provide a major impetus to the government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', while reinforcing the country's indigenous naval ship repair and maintenance capabilities.
