NEW DELHI. In line with an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) signed between the Government of Republic of India and Government of Russian Federation on October 15, 2016 for construction of additional Project 1135.6, the Government on January 30 signed a contract for construction of two Follow on ships at Goa Shipyard Ltd, Goa.

The time of scheduled delivery for the two ships is June and December 2026 respectively.

The Follow-on P 1135.6 series of frigates, customised to meet the Indian Navy’s specific requirements, are potent platforms, with a mission span covering the entire spectrum of Naval warfare; Air, Surface and Sub-surface.

The ships would be equipped to operate in littoral and blue waters; both as a single unit and as consorts of a naval task force. Advanced features of stealth include a special hull design, to limit radar cross-section, low electromagnetic, infrared and under water noise signatures.

The two ships would carry highly sophisticated and state-of-art weapon systems and sensors. To support these ships through their life cycle, the Indian Navy has put in place requisite infrastructures for training and maintenance.

More importantly in line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, these ships being constructed at M/s GSL, Goa under Russian assistance, would make these platforms the largest number of ships of a class in service showcasing indigenous equipment such as sonar system, Brahmos missile system, Combat Management System etc.