The Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards expanding its stealth frigate fleet by issuing a request for proposal for seven advanced warships under Project-17B, Times of India reported.

This marks a departure from the earlier nomination route, as the Navy has opted for competitive bidding to determine which shipyard will secure the contract. The program is estimated to cost around ₹70,000 crore, making it one of the largest naval procurement initiatives in recent years.

Unlike the nomination route, which directly assigns contracts to defence public sector undertakings without competition, competitive bidding requires multiple shipyards to compete based on cost and technical capabilities.

Category A shipyards such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Goa Shipyard Limited, and Cochin Shipyard Limited are expected to have received the RFP. This approach is intended to foster greater efficiency, innovation, and cost-effectiveness in naval shipbuilding.

Project 17B represents the next generation of stealth frigates, also referred to as Next Generation Frigates. These vessels are designed to conduct long-range precision strikes, multi-layered air defence, and anti-submarine warfare.

They are an upgraded and superior follow-on variant of the Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigates, which include INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Taragiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Dunagiri, INS Mahendragiri, and INS Vindhyagiri. The new class will build upon the operational experience gained from these predecessors while incorporating advanced technologies.

The P17B frigates will feature enhanced low-observable stealth technology, advanced sensors, and powerful vertical launch systems capable of deploying long-range strike and air defence missiles.

Expected weaponry includes BrahMos cruise missiles, indigenous electronic warfare suites, and advanced missile defence systems. These capabilities will significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to project power, defend critical assets, and secure maritime interests across distant waters.

Stealth frigates form the backbone of the Indian Navy’s surface combat capability. They play a crucial role in protecting aircraft carriers, securing vital sea lanes, and enabling offensive and defensive operations in modern naval warfare.

Their design integrates advanced weapons, sensors, and aviation facilities while optimising radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures to reduce detectability. This ensures that the Navy maintains a qualitative edge in maritime operations.

The decision to pursue competitive bidding for Project 17B reflects a broader policy shift towards transparency and efficiency in defence procurement. It also aligns with the government’s emphasis on strengthening indigenous shipbuilding capacity under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

By involving multiple shipyards, the Navy aims to distribute workload, encourage competition, and enhance the overall resilience of India’s naval industrial base.

Agencies