Why Indian Navy's New P17B Frigate Will Cost $1.19 Billion Per Unit, 50% More Than Previous P15B

The Indian Navy is poised to take a significant leap forward in its naval capabilities with the acquisition of the P17B frigates. As the successors to the Nilgiri-class frigates, these vessels are expected to bolster the Navy's frontline combat strength.

However, the project has raised eyebrows due to the staggering cost of $1.19 billion per ship, marking a 50% increase compared to the preceding P15B frigates.

This substantial price hike has ignited discussions among defence analysts, with some comparing the cost to acquiring a larger number of Talwar-class frigates.

The specific configuration of the P17B frigates remains classified, but projections indicate a more robust armament package, potentially including at least 48 vertical launch cells capable of deploying long-range surface-to-air missiles (LRSAM) with ranges exceeding 250 kilometers.

The escalated cost can be attributed to several factors. The inclusion of advanced technologies and an expanded weapon load significantly contributes to the price.

Furthermore, the project encompasses the cost of base and depot spares for the ships' entire lifespan, estimated to be between 20 and 25 years, accounting for approximately 15-20% of the total project cost.

Despite the elevated price tag, the P17B frigates represent a critical upgrade for the Indian Navy's firepower and capabilities. By acquiring these ships, the Navy aims to sustain its dominance in the region and effectively respond to emerging threats.

 

[Sandeep]

Rather than larger frigates, what we need are destroyers and frigates that are armed better. 32 SAMs on a 7,000+ ton destroyer is, frankly, shameful. Even the smaller Delhi-class destroyers and Talwar-class frigates are armed better in terms of defensive weaponry.

Yes we need them to be better armed with more advanced capable missiles from SAM and surface to surface missiles. But with the current size of the frigates and destroyers that’s not possible as they need more room on the deck that are ready to fire straight away and more storage near the launchers so that they can easily reload them which takes time.

 

[Anant]

Yes we need them to be better armed with more advanced capable missiles from SAM and surface to surface missiles. But with the current size of the frigates and destroyers that’s not possible as they need more room on the deck that are ready to fire straight away and more storage near the launchers so that they can easily reload them which takes time.

If you have seen the photograph of Nilgiri trying out the RBU-6000 on her sea trials, there is plenty of deck space available. Of course, internal rearrangement would be needed if some VLS module was to be added in, but this could be done using a raised bulwark, assuming stability permits this.

Just going by deck space, the forward deck can easily accommodate another 4 VLS cells for the BrahMos as well as another 16 VLS cells for the Barak 8. Even that leaves a lot of space towards the sides, where slotting in VLS isn't feasible.

 

[Anant]

Navy always huge spender.

Ships aren't cheap, and for that spending, they actually have a pretty good force. That is more than what can be said for some other service.

Better to spend and see results than to act cheap and hope that someone will deliver on time.

 

[Param]

The cost escalation is also due to PSU inefficiencies. I have personally experienced the exorbitant charges that HAL levies for servicing of aircraft and components. The manpower keeps taking frequent breaks from work and then claim overtime by working extra hours.

 

[Sandeep]

If you have seen the photograph of Nilgiri trying out the RBU-6000 on her sea trials, there is plenty of deck space available. Of course, internal rearrangement would be needed if some VLS module was to be added in, but this could be done using a raised bulwark, assuming stability permits this.

Just going by deck space, the forward deck can easily accommodate another 4 VLS cells for the BrahMos as well as another 16 VLS cells for the Barak 8. Even that leaves a lot of space towards the sides, where slotting in VLS isn't feasible.

We can’t remove the RBU-6000 anti submarine rockets as that is a very important and crucial weapon that is the second best weapon and option to kill a submarine if your own torpedo or weapons aren’t effective or misses the submarine.

As for the current size of the frigate you might be able to increase the number of missiles it can hold by a little bit more. Currently we have only installed a total of 40 missiles launchers with 8 reserved for the Brahmos anti ship or land attack missile. The other 32 are reserved for the Barak 1 and 8 SAM to provide us with a multi layer air defence shield.

The only other way to increase the number of missiles is to develop the Brahmos NG. The missile has a shorter height, smaller width, lighter weight and if it has the same range or increased range and the same fast speed of Mach 3 or above then this will increase the amount of missile it can carry in current and future frigates. Also if we develop the VL-SRSAM and again it’s dimensions are smaller and lighter than the Barak 1 SAM then this will help to increase the number of missiles that we can deploy and use if it’s necessary.

 

[Anant]

We can’t remove the RBU-6000 anti submarine rockets as that is a very important and crucial weapon that is the second best weapon and option to kill a submarine if your own torpedo or weapons aren’t effective or misses the submarine.

As for the current size of the frigate you might be able to increase the number of missiles it can hold by a little bit more. Currently we have only installed a total of 40 missiles launchers with 8 reserved for the Brahmos anti ship or land attack missile. The other 32 are reserved for the Barak 1 and 8 SAM to provide us with a multi layer air defence shield.

The only other way to increase the number of missiles is to develop the Brahmos NG. The missile has a shorter height, smaller width, lighter weight and if it has the same range or increased range and the same fast speed of Mach 3 or above then this will increase the amount of missile it can carry in current and future frigates. Also if we develop the VL-SRSAM and again it’s dimensions are smaller and lighter than the Barak 1 SAM then this will help to increase the number of missiles that we can deploy and use if it’s necessary.

I have a feeling that the VL-SRSAM, once operationalised, can be added to our destroyers and frigates, with each of the larger ships receiving 32 VLS cells for these. For the P-15 destroyers and P-17 frigates, as well as on the Talwar-class frigates, we can replace the Shtil SAM arm launchers with a 24-cell VLS for the VL-SRSAM.

Also, my apologies for an error in my earlier comment. I meant there is enough space to add in another 32 VLS cells for SAMs, not specifically Barak 8s.

 

[bks78]

Research and development always cost more and should be kept separate. We have two options, buy every weapon like middle east countries do or spend in R&D develop your own. Congress followed first and BJP followed second.

 

[Sandeep]

I have a feeling that the VL-SRSAM, once operationalised, can be added to our destroyers and frigates, with each of the larger ships receiving 32 VLS cells for these. For the P-15 destroyers and P-17 frigates, as well as on the Talwar-class frigates, we can replace the Shtil SAM arm launchers with a 24-cell VLS for the VL-SRSAM.

Also, my apologies for an error in my earlier comment. I meant there is enough space to add in another 32 VLS cells for SAMs, not specifically Barak 8s.

Yes we can definitely replace the Barak 1 and Shtil SAM with our indigenous VL-SRSAM which is better because it will cut down on expensive imports at the very least. The main question is whether our indigenous VL-SRSAM dimensions are small enough that it allows us to carry more than the current installed capacity of 40 SAM missiles or surface to surface missiles. Hopefully they should be able to do that.

 

[Amitsolanki]

I think india need to include blockchain integration in defence to make it immutable.
Layer 1 indian blockchain i.e. JaiHo blockchain can be trusted.

 

[Anant]

These armed boat drones, armed submarine drones are ideal against Pak.. We won't loose anything and destroy pak navy

Ukraine literally destroyed Russian black sea fleet with these..

Plus un armed version of these can also be used as saurvailence...

Like saurvailence drones..

Again, drones are necessary, but they aren't sufficient. What you are suggesting, Sir, is something akin to the Jeune Ecole doctrine. Please have a look at that if you are unaware what that is.

Small ships capable of potentially outsized impact are important, but in open seas, such ships aren't enough to maintain control of the seas.