The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth ₹498.58 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the normal refit and re-powering of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate of the Indian Navy.
The contract, signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, involves a major transformation of the warship’s propulsion system. Under the project, its existing steam-based propulsion system will be replaced with a diesel-engine-based system, marking a significant technological upgrade to the naval platform.
In addition to the propulsion upgrade, the refit will include the installation of a modernised weapon suite to enhance the ship’s combat capabilities and overall operational effectiveness.
The project is expected to involve more than 50 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), generating substantial employment opportunities across India’s shipbuilding and ancillary industries.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the initiative will strengthen indigenous capabilities in the country’s ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, particularly in executing complex propulsion system transformations and modernising naval platforms.
The project also represents an important step in expanding India’s domestic expertise in warship refits, propulsion modernisation and maintenance of naval assets, while reinforcing the role of Cochin Shipyard in supporting the Indian Navy’s fleet modernisation programme.