New Delhi, July 18, 2024: In a significant development for India’s naval capabilities, the defence ministry is poised to approve a monumental Rs 70,000-crore order for warships, says several media reports. These stealth frigates, set to be the most advanced ships built in India, represent a continuation of the Nilgiri class currently under construction.
According to a report published in The Economic Times, Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) are leading contenders for the project, classified as Project 17B. Notably, these yards are already involved in the ongoing construction of frigates under Project 17A. MDL is engaged in producing four frigates, while GRSE is handling an order for three.
While specifics await confirmation after the defence ministry’s clearance, insiders suggest the possibility of splitting the order between the two yards, mirroring the approach taken with Project 17A. Such a division is anticipated to accelerate delivery timelines crucial for the Navy’s operational readiness.