Navy’s INS Betwa to swap steam engines for diesel in ₹499-crore refit at Cochin Shipyard

The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹498.58 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited to refit and re-power the Indian Navy's frigate INS Betwa, replacing its steam-based propulsion with a diesel-engine system.

The contract was signed in New Delhi on 11 November in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

What will change on the ship

INS Betwa is a Brahmaputra-class frigate. Under the contract, it will get a "major propulsion system transformation", swapping its existing steam-based plant for diesel engines. The refit also includes a modernised weapon suite to upgrade its combat capability.

Jobs and industry

The ministry says the project will build indigenous capability in ship repair and maintenance, particularly in complex propulsion conversions and the modernisation of naval platforms. It expects more than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises to be involved, with employment across the shipbuilding and ancillary industries.

The ministry described the work as a push for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India".

What the release does not say

It does not give the timeline for the refit, the specific weapons to be installed, or when the ship will return to service.

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Defence, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (11 NOV 2026 1:54PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: MoD inks contract, worth approx. Rs 500 crore, for Normal Refit & Re-powering of INS Betwa.