Ministry of Defence on Wednesday inked a contract worth Rs 498.58 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the normal refit and re-powering of Indian Navy ship Betwa in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh here.
Under the contract, INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, will undergo a major propulsion system transformation, involving the replacement of its existing steam-based propulsion system with a diesel-engine-based propulsion system.
The refit will also include the upgradation of its combat capabilities through the installation of a modernised weapon suite, thereby enhancing the ship’s operational effectiveness.
This 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.
This project will 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.