In a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, all four Project 11356 frigates set for delivery over the next two years will be armed with the advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This enhancement comes as part of the ongoing Indo-Russian defence collaboration, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The contracts for the delivery of these four state-of-the-art frigates were signed in November 2018 between India and Russia. Under the agreement, two frigates are currently being constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, while the other two are being built at Goa Shipyard Limited in India. The first of these frigates, named Tushil, is scheduled for delivery in September this year, with the second vessel, Tamala, expected by February 2025. The remaining two frigates, being constructed at Goa Shipyard, are anticipated to join the Indian Navy in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

The decision to equip all four frigates with the BrahMos missile system underscores the growing defence ties between India and Russia. The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, is renowned for its precision, speed, and versatility. Weighing approximately three tonnes, the missile can travel at speeds nearly three times faster than sound, making it a formidable asset in naval warfare. Its capability to manoeuvre at varying altitudes, ranging from 5 meters to 15 kilometres, renders it nearly impossible for enemy air defences to intercept.

The BrahMos missile’s adaptability allows it to be launched from multiple platforms, including surface ships, submarines, aircraft, and land-based systems. The airborne version, BrahMos-A, is specifically designed for launch from the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, adding another dimension to its operational versatility. These characteristics make the BrahMos an ideal choice for the Project 11356 frigates, which are designed for a wide range of combat missions, including engaging surface ships, submarines, and air targets.

With a displacement of over 3,800 tonnes, the Project 11356 frigates are poised to play a crucial role in securing India’s maritime interests both in near-sea and oceanic zones. In addition to the BrahMos missile system, these frigates are equipped with advanced artillery, missile strike, anti-aircraft systems, and torpedo weaponry, further enhancing their combat readiness.

The BrahMos missile programme, named after the Brahmaputra and Moscow rivers, continues to be a symbol of the robust cooperation between India and Russia. Since its inception in 1998, BrahMos Aerospace has become a leader in supersonic cruise missile production, with an order book currently valued at approximately $7.5 billion.