Defence Ministry To Approve Orders Of Next Generation Project-17B Class Frigates Worth Rs 70,000 Crore

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to approve an order for next-generation Project-17B class stealth frigates.

These new frigates will be the follow-on of Nilgiri class frigates, which are also known as Project-17A class frigates. These frigates, seven of which were ordered by the Indian Navy, are being built by state-run shipyards — Mazagaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Four frigates are being built by Mumbai-based MDL and the remaining three by Kolkata-based GRSE.

The order for the Project-17B class frigates is expected to be worth around Rs 70,000 crore. Both MDL and GRSE are in the fray for this order. It is expected that, just like the earlier order of Nilgiri class frigates, this new order may also be split between MDL and GRSE.

The new frigates are expected to be more stealthy than the Nilgiri class frigates and are expected to carry even more indigenous systems like the BrahMos and Nirbhay cruise missiles, electronic warfare systems, anti-torpedo systems, and fire control systems.

MDL is also constructing Project-15B Visakhapatnam class destroyers and the three follow-on Scorpene class submarines.

GRSE, on the other hand, is working on anti-submarine corvettes and offshore patrol vessels for the navy.

Stealth frigates like the Project-17B class frigates after induction will increase the deterrence of the Indian Navy against Pakistani and Chinese misadventures.