Defence Ministry inks ₹498 crore INS Betwa refit contract

New Delhi The Defence Ministry on Wednesday (November 11, 2026) sealed a ₹498-crore contract with state-run Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for "refit and re-powering" of Indian Navy's guided-missile frigate INS Betwa.

Under the contract, INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, will undergo a transformation of its propulsion system involving the replacement of its existing steam-based propulsion with a diesel engine-based propulsion system, according to the Ministry. Cochin Shipyard gets order to build 40 ships from U.S., Germany, Norway, other nations: Sonowal Cochin Shipyard gets order to build 40 ships from U.S., Germany, Norway, other nations: Sonowal A senior Shipping Ministry official said that some Russian entities have also shown interest in building ships in India Cochin Shipyard gets order to build 40 ships from U.S., Germany, Norway, other nations: Sonowal storyline 1 The refit will also include the upgrading of its combat capabilities through the installation of a modern weapon suite that is aimed at enhancing the ship's operational effectiveness.