The Project-17 Bravo frigates (P-17B) or Next Generation Frigates (NGF) are a class of planned stealth guided-missile frigates to be built for the Indian Navy (IN). The class will be a follow-on for Nilgiri-class frigates which is under construction. The class is a part of Next Generation series of future frontline surface combatants of the Indian Navy which includes Next Generation Destroyers (NGD) or Project 18-class destroyer and Next Generation Corvettes (NGC).[2][3]
 P17B will improve on P17A
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Project-17B class |
| Operators |  Indian Navy |
| Preceded by | Nilgiri class |
| Cost | |
| Planned | 7-8 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Stealth guided-missile frigate |
| Displacement | 6,700–8,000 t (6,600–7,900 long tons) |
| Armament |
|
History
editBackground
editIn July 2024, numerous reports emerged suggesting about a new class of 8 stealth frigates to be follow-on of the previous Nilgiri-class frigates which was under construction till them. The 8 ships were to be built by two shipyards with 1:1 order share of 4 ships each. The leading contenders for the deal were Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). The Ministry of Defence (MoD) was expected to clear the deal soon after the nature of the design of the frigates were under discussion for over a year. This would be the most technically advanced warships to be built in India. The reports also suggested that the ships will feature an indigenous main fire control radar replacing EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radars used on previous ships as well as other advanced indigenous weapon systems.[4][5][6]
On 3 September 2024, reports suggested that the deal is set to be cleared by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) – the main acquisition panel under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) headed by Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh. The deal would be for 7-8 ships at a cost of ₹70,000 crore (US$8.4 billion). The development was along with the clearance of other mega deals like 1,770 units of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) or main battle tanks for the Indian Army (₹50,000 crore (US$6.0 billion)), 26 Rafale-M acquisition of the Navy and 31 MQ-9B drones acquisition. A report also suggested that the ships may weigh up to 8,000 t (7,900 long tons) and have significantly enhanced firepower and strike capabilities when compared to the Nilgiri-class.[7][8]
On 3 September 2024, DAC accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Project 17B.[9]
Design
editArmament
editThe ship will be equipped with at least 48 VLS cells which will be compatible for launching surface-to-air missiles as well as surface-to-surface missiles and anti-ship missiles including Barak 8, Project Kusha system, BrahMos and LR-LACM or Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM).[1][10]
See also
editFrigates of comparable configurations and capabilities
edit- FREMM multipurpose frigate – A series of multi-purpose frigates, operated by the French Navy, the Italian Navy, the Royal Moroccan Navy, the Egyptian Navy and currently being built for the United States Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
- Type 26 frigate – A class of frigates ordered by the Royal Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
- Mogami-class frigate – A class of multi-mission frigates currently being built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
- Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate – A class of guided-missile frigates operated by the Russian Navy.
- Constellation-class frigate – A series of multi-purpose frigates currently being built for the United States Navy.
Other references to the Indian Navy
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Why Indian Navy's New P17B Frigate Will Cost $1.19 Billion Per Unit, 50% More Than Previous P15B". Defence.in. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ Menon, Adithya Krishna (29 August 2024). "India's First P17A Nilgiri-class Frigate Starts Sea Trials". Naval News. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ Menon, Adithya Krishna (13 August 2023). "India Proceeds with New Submarines, Surface Ships Development". Naval News. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "'Most advanced ships to be built in India': Defence ministry to clear mega Rs 70,000 crore order for new stealth warships". The Times of India. 18 July 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ Pubby, Manu (18 July 2024). "Mazagon, Garden Reach Shipbuilders lead race for Defence Ministry's ₹70,000 crore warships order". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "All you need to know about new warships to be approved by Centre. They will be built at a cost of Rs 70,000 crore". The Week. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Navy's Rs 70,000-crore warship project, Army's 1,700-tank proposal to be approved". India Today. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Rafale-M acquisition to clear final hurdle at DAC today". Hindustan Times. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Defence Acquisition Council accords preliminary approval for 10 procurement proposals worth ₹1.44 lakh crore". The Hindu. 3 September 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ^ "Indian Navy to equip upcoming Project-17B Frigates with 1,000 km range ITCM". India's growing Military power. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.