28.5c India
In a significant step toward strengthening India's defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence is preparing to approve several key projects, including the construction of seven advanced frigates for the Indian Navy and the Indian Army's proposal to replace its ageing T-72 tanks with modern Future Ready Combat Vehicles. The cumulative value of these efforts is projected to be more than Rs 1 trillion.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is hosting a high-level conference at South Block on Tuesday to discuss these important projects. Key officials will attend the meeting, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, the Defence Secretary, and other relevant authorities.
One of the major projects on the list is the acquisition of seven new stealth frigates for the Indian Navy through Project 17 Bravo. These frigates will be among the most modern ever built in India, following the continuing building of the Nilgiri-class frigates. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to authorise the release of a tender for around Rs 70,000 crore to Indian shipyards under the 'Make in India' initiative.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders are building frigates as part of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), with MDL building four and GRSE building three. The acquisition of Project 17 Bravo frigates is expected to improve significantly the Indian Navy's operational capability by the early 2030s.
The Indian Army is also preparing to advance its modernisation efforts by replacing its Russian-origin T-72 tanks. The plan calls for the purchase of 1,700 indigenous FRCVs built under the Make-I procedure of the Defence Acquisition Procedure. The FRCV project, expected to cost more than Rs 50,000 crore, would be completed in stages, with approximately 600 tanks constructed in each phase.
Once authorized, these projects will represent a significant investment in India's defence sector, demonstrating the government's commitment to improving the country's strategic and operational capabilities.