SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s naval capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is poised to greenlight the procurement of eight additional Nilgiri-class frigates under the Project-17 Beta (P-17B) program. Building upon the successful Project-17 Alpha (P-17A) frigates, the P-17B vessels are expected to incorporate several enhancements to address evolving maritime threats.
The upcoming frigates are likely to feature a robust suite of anti-drone measures, including advanced jammers and hard-kill systems to counter both sea-based and airborne drones. To bolster its anti-air capabilities, the P-17B frigates are anticipated to be equipped with the Vertical Launch System for Short Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (VLS-SAM) alongside a longer-range missile system, such as the Barak-8 or ERADS.
To enhance situational awareness, the Israeli-supplied MF STAR radar is slated for replacement with a more advanced system. Additionally, the integration of loitering ammunition launchers and Nirbhay subsonic cruise missiles is under consideration. Given the anticipated construction timeline of 6-7 years, there is ample scope for incorporating these cutting-edge weapon systems.
The P-17B frigates are expected to be constructed at Indian shipyards, further strengthening the domestic shipbuilding industry. This project aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and will create substantial employment opportunities.
The induction of these advanced frigates will significantly augment the Indian Navy’s combat readiness and contribute to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.