SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the construction of two advanced Russian frigates, dubbed as Frigates 9 and 10, will commence at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in India. This development was confirmed by Ilya Samarin, CEO of Russia’s Yantar Shipyard, in a recent interview with RT. The project is slated to conclude by the end of 2027, marking a new chapter in the Indo-Russian defence cooperation.
The initiative to build these frigates in India is part of a broader collaboration between the two nations under the ‘Make in India’ programme, aimed at fostering indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports. The strategic partnership with Russia in naval construction not only enhances India’s maritime capabilities but also exemplifies the deepening of bilateral defence ties.
During his conversation with RT, Ilya Samarin elaborated on the specifics of the project. He highlighted that the construction would involve technology transfer from Russia to India, ensuring that the Indian shipyard is equipped with the necessary know-how to build these sophisticated vessels. “This is not just about building ships; it’s about transferring technology, skills, and fostering a robust shipbuilding ecosystem in India,” Samarin stated.
The frigates, which are an extension of the Project 11356 class, will feature advanced stealth technology, similar to the previously commissioned Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates. These ships are designed for multi-role operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and surface combat.
The construction in Goa will see the integration of both Russian and Indian systems. While the core design and technology will be Russian, there will be significant Indian components, including weapon systems like the BrahMos missile, which has been a product of another successful Indo-Russian collaboration.
Samarin also touched upon the challenges and opportunities associated with this project. “The project involves complex engineering, but it’s an opportunity for Indian engineers to learn from and contribute to global best practices in naval shipbuilding,” he remarked.
As the project gears up, both nations will need to navigate through the complexities of international regulations, technology transfer agreements, and the practicalities of integrating dual-nation technology on a large scale. With a completion target set for the end of 2027, this collaboration is poised to be a landmark in India’s naval history, further cementing its role as a significant naval power in Asia.