Ministry of Defence signs ₹500 crore contract for INS Betwa

According to a PIB Delhi report, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth approximately ₹500 crore, specifically ₹498.58 crore, with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the normal refit and re-powering of the Indian Naval Ship INS Betwa. This contract was signed in New Delhi on 11 November 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Under this contract, the Indian Navy's Brahmaputra-class frigate INS Betwa will undergo a major transformation in its propulsion system, replacing its existing steam-based propulsion system with a diesel-engine-based propulsion system. This refit will also include the upgrading of its combat capabilities through the installation of a modern weapon suite, thereby increasing the ship's operational effectiveness.

This project will further strengthen indigenous capabilities in the ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, particularly in complex propulsion system transformation and modernization of naval platforms. The project is expected to involve over 50 MSMEs and generate significant employment opportunities in Indian shipbuilding and ancillary industries.

This project will provide a major boost to the government's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', while also strengthening the country's indigenous naval ship repair and maintenance capabilities.

According to Wikipedia background reports, INS Betwa (F39) is a Brahmaputra-class guided-missile frigate launched in 1998, whereas the earlier Type 41 Leopard-class frigate launched in 1959 was decommissioned after 1988.