In line with its efforts to enhance deterrence capabilities against the increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India’s Defence Acquisition Council recently approved the acquisition of the Indian Navy’s Project 17 Bravo frigates. This initiative involves the construction of seven new frigates, incurring an investment of INR70,000 crore ($8.34 billion), while incorporating significant improvements over the design of the preceding Nilgiri-class frigates, which are currently in active service. This would augment the Indian Navy’s operational effectiveness, underscoring the country’s dedication in advancing its naval prowess, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report, “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market Forecast 2024-2034” reveals that India will be spending about $41.9 billion on procuring various naval vessels over the next 10 years. Out of which, 32.3% will be directed towards the procurement of frigates, including Project 17 Bravo.
Harsh Deshmukh, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The Indian Navy is not only focusing on the growing presence of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in IOR but is also undertaking maritime security operations to counter various other threats, such as piracy, smuggling, and natural disasters. The Navy’s strategy calls for deployment of key naval assets, such as surface vessels, aircraft, and special forces, to secure the seas and ensure safety of the maritime routes around the IOR. The Project 17 Bravo frigates will be equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, making them well suited for independently undertaking these complex maritime operations.”
Project 17 Bravo would also enable the Indian shipbuilders to keep the assembly line afloat and sustain the capabilities gained over the years through the construction of frigates for the Indian Navy.
Frigates to be built under Project 17 Bravo are expected to be fitted with indigenous weapon packages such as Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM), along with Barak-8 to facilitate surface-to-air attacks. They are also likely to be equipped with Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) along with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for surface-to-surface attacks, which emphasizes the Navy’s intent to support the Make in India initiative.
Deshmukh concludes: “India has signed logistics support agreements with multiple countries like the US, Russia, France, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, which will enable the Indian Navy to significantly expand its operational range, undertake extended patrols, and offer safe passage to mercantile traffic in IOR. With Project 17 Bravo, the Indian Navy would drastically expand its Blue Water capabilities and support its allies in securing key maritime trade routes.”
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