India likely to build warships in co-operation with Russia

The Dollar Business Bureau Taking ahead its existing naval cooperation, India is likely to team up with Russia over a deal aimed at building the war ships on its own territory. India could soon team up with Russia to build frigates ships and the Indian Ministry is reportedly interested in setting up a deal to build the war ships on its own territory alongside Russian producers, said a defence news report, on Thursday. Referring to a Russian news organization to have provided information in this regard, the defence report informed that the Indian government is interested in the joint production of vessels, just two years after the completion of prior deals in which Russian producers delivered six frigates. The report further informed about a statement from Yantar Shipyard, Russian shipbuilding Company and one of key producers of frigates ships, in which the company expressed hope over continuing partnership with India, after having completed a series of three Indian orders. The statement further informed that the Indian Defence Ministry is in need of three to four more vessels for its navy of a similar class and is currently examining a scenario to build such ships at home, of course, with the Company’s participation and guidance, added the report. During the period from 2003-13, the Russian producers have developed and delivered six frigate ships to India. Of these six ships delivered, while the first three were equipped with Russian Klub-N cruise missiles, the other three were equipped with BrahMos cruise missiles jointly produced by Russia and India. And, the newly planned ships, which will also be jointly produced by both the countries, are expected to be fully equipped with much more advanced technology, informed the report, adding that the Company to partner with India has already begun consultations with the Indian side on all aspects of the project.    

May 21, 2015 | 8:40 pm IST.