The first of two additional Krivak class stealth frigates being built by Russia is expected to be delivered to India in the middle of 2023.
Background:
In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for four Krivak or Talwar class stealth frigates.
Two to be procured directly from Russia and two to be built by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) — after which a $1-billion deal was signed for the direct purchase.
The procurement of the frigates will involve a rupee-rouble transaction instead of using U.S. dollars to avoid American sanctions on Russian defense companies under CAATSA, or the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.
India will also buy 70,000 assault rifles from Russia.
The 4,000-ton Krivak III vessels will also accommodate two multirole helicopters and will be used for anti-submarine and airborne early warning missions.
India has already built seven basic versions of Krivak-class stealth frigates under the Navy’s Project 17A scheme at state-owned shipyards Mazagon Dock Limited, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.
The Indian Navy currently has a fleet strength of 140 warships, with plans to increase that number to 198 by 2027.
Indian Navy currently operates six Krivak class frigates weighing around 4,000 tonnes procured in two different batches.