Russia is expected to deliver a frigate loaded with supersonic missiles to India in September, marking the first of four frigates being constructed by Russia for India. The Indian Navy is actively advancing its shipbuilding program to enhance its naval combat capabilities.
The four warships are the “Project 11356” frigates designed by Russia for the Indian Navy, according to a report by Newsweek on Wednesday, September 4th. The agreement to build four frigates was signed between India and Russia in 2018, with two being built in Russia and the other two in India. The second frigate is set to be delivered by February next year, followed by the third six months later, and the fourth frigate by 2026.
The Project 11356 frigates have a displacement of over 3,800 tons and are capable of engaging enemy surface ships and submarines, as well as countering airborne threats. The vessels are equipped with ship guns, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, and torpedoes.
These warships will be armed with the BrahMos missiles, jointly developed and manufactured by India and Russia. The BrahMos is a cruise missile with both anti-ship and land-attack capabilities, with a range of 180 miles and the ability to fly at supersonic speeds of approximately 768 miles per hour at sea level.
The Philippines, a maritime neighbor of China in the South China Sea, has been involved in maritime disputes with the Chinese Communist Party. In April, the Philippines received its first batch of BrahMos missiles from India. The Philippines lauded these weapons as “game-changers” that significantly bolster their coastal defense amid tensions with Beijing.
Russia has long been a primary arms supplier to India, occupying 36% of Kremlin’s arms exports between 2019 and 2023.
In March 2022, retired Indian Army Lieutenant General Deependra Singh Hooda, former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, stated that “more than 60% of India’s weapons are from Russia”.
According to Hooda, a significant portion of India’s active equipment, including fighter jets and air defense systems of the Indian Air Force, aircraft carriers and frigates of the Indian Navy, and tanks and armored vehicles of the Indian Army, are sourced from Russia, with even submarines leased from Moscow.
India has been increasingly concerned by the rapid expansion of the Chinese Navy and its frequent activities in the Indian Ocean region. India aims to build a robust navy to safeguard national interests and play an active role on the international stage.
As reported by The Times of India on September 18, 2023, India plans to possess 175 warships by 2035 to ensure reliable strategic influence, mobility, and flexibility in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
On May 20 this year, Indian warships entered Manila Port in the Philippines. This visit was one of the key activities showcasing Indian naval prowess, with missile destroyers, frigates, and replenishment ships amongst the participating vessels. The visit aimed to demonstrate the strength of the Indian Navy, strengthen military cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries, and counter Chinese hegemony in the South China Sea.
Observers in New Delhi told Asia Weekly that the Indo-Pacific region “welcomes India with open arms”. In the future, the Indian Navy will conduct more military exercises and port visits in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean region to enhance collaboration, consolidate naval strength, and gain an advantage in competition with China.