The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday signed a Rs 498.58-crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the normal refit and re-powering of the Indian Navy's INS Betwa.The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on November 11, 2026.Under the contract, the 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 system. The refit will also include an upgrade to the warship's combat capabilities through the installation of a modernised weapon suite.The project is expected to strengthen indigenous capabilities in ship repair and maintenance, particularly in complex propulsion system transformations and the modernisation of naval platforms.
It will involve more than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generate employment opportunities across India's shipbuilding and ancillary industries. The project is also expected to give a boost to the government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, while strengthening the country's indigenous naval ship repair and maintenance capabilities.- Ends