NEW DELHI: The ministry of defence on Wednesday signed a Rs 498.58 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the refit and re-powering of Indian Navy warship INS Betwa.Under the agreement, the Brahmaputra-class frigate will undergo a major transformation, with its existing steam-based propulsion system being replaced by a diesel-engine-based system. The refit will also involve upgrading the warship’s combat capabilities through the installation of a modernised weapons suite, aimed at improving its operational effectiveness.The project is expected to strengthen India’s indigenous ship repair and maintenance capabilities, particularly in carrying out complex propulsion system upgrades and modernisation of naval platforms. More than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to be involved in the project, which is also likely to generate employment opportunities across the country’s shipbuilding and ancillary industries.The ministry said the initiative would provide a boost to the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, while reinforcing domestic capabilities in naval ship maintenance and modernisation.INS Betwa, the second indigenously built Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 7, 2004. The 3,600-tonne warship measures 125 metres in length and is capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots. It is manned by 40 officers and 330 sailors.The vessel is equipped with a range of guns, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, torpedo launchers and maritime surveillance sensors.
