India Set to Issue ₹70,000 Crore RFP for Project-17B Next-Gen Frigates by Year-End

New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to take a major step in strengthening its fleet with the planned release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 7–8 advanced stealth frigates under Project-17B (P-17B) by the end of this year. The deal, valued at nearly ₹70,000 crore (US$8 billion), will be one of the largest naval procurement programs in recent years.

According to officials, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the proposal in September last year, paving the way for the project to move forward. The frigates will be a follow-on class to the Nilgiri-class (Project-17A), which are currently under construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).

Next-Generation Capabilities

The upcoming P-17B frigates are expected to be larger, more powerful, and more stealthy than the Nilgiri-class. While the Nilgiri displaces around 6,700 tonnes, the new vessels could reach up to 8,000 tonnes, offering greater endurance and combat power.

Key features likely to be included are:

• At least 48 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for surface-to-air and land-attack missiles.

• Compatibility with Barak-8, BrahMos, Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACM), and Indigenous Technology Cruise Missiles (ITCM).

• Greater emphasis on indigenous sensors, radars, and combat systems, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

• Advanced stealth shaping and electronic warfare suites for survivability in high-threat environments.

Industry Participation

The massive order is expected to be shared between MDL and GRSE, with the Navy likely to split construction in a 4:3 ratio or similar arrangement. Both shipyards have already gained valuable experience through the Nilgiri-class program, which has introduced several cutting-edge features such as multi-function radars, vertical launch systems, and integrated platform management systems.

Officials said the RFP is expected before the end of 2025, after design refinements and finalization of technical details.

Strategic Significance

The Project-17B frigates will form a crucial part of India’s future surface fleet, enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct multi-domain operations across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). With increased range, firepower, and survivability, these ships are expected to be the backbone of carrier battle groups and independent missions.

“This program represents not just a modernization step but also a strong push for self-reliance in warship design and construction,” said a senior naval source.

With the Nilgiri-class progressing steadily and two ships already inducted this year, the Navy is confident of building on that momentum. Once approved and contracted, the first P-17B frigate could be expected by the early 2030s, aligning with India’s long-term maritime capability goals.

The ₹70,000 crore investment highlights India’s determination to maintain a technological edge and secure its interests in an increasingly contested maritime domain.