The design and construction of the ship is entirely Indian, and is a modification of the Godavari-class frigate.[1] She is fitted with an array of modern sensor suites and matching weapon systems.
Beas is named for the River Beas. She is the second ship in the Indian Navy to bear the name. The first was a Leopard-class frigate commissioned in 1960 and scrapped in 1992.
Upgrade
On 16 October 2023, Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the mid-life upgrade of INS Beas with Cochin Shipyard Limited. In early April 2024, the mid-life upgrade of INS Beas began making her the first ship of the Brahmaputra class to be upgraded. The upgrade included conversion of steam turbine propulsion into diesel propulsion (CODAD) and other equipment and systems upgrade. INS Beas will likely be fitted with Caterpillar marine diesel engine with 6-MW power. The overall upgrade will take 2 years for completion. The upgrade will increase the remaining service lifespan of the frigate from current 10 years to more than 25 years after completion. According to an official, “there are issues such as steam leaks and high temperatures in the boiler and engine rooms of these ships which contribute to uncomfortable working conditions for the crew.” The upgrade will reduce the maintenance requirement of the ships.[2][3] The Upgrade has commenced as of May 2024.[4]
Service history
Task Force Europe 2009
During May–July 2009, Beas was a part of the Indian Navy task force on deployment to Europe. During this deployment, the task force participated in joint-exercises with the Royal Navy and the French Navy. Exercise Konkan-09 with the Royal Navy, was conducted off the coast of the United Kingdom.[5] Exercise Varuna 2009 with the French Navy was off the coast of France.[6]
References
^"Type 16A Brahmaputra class". Bharat rakshak page on Brahmaputra class frigate. 5 May 2007. Archived from the original on 11 December 2007. Retrieved 28 January 2008.
