INS BEAS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security)

Context: The defence ministry recently signed a ₹ 313 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the mid-life "upgrade and re-powering" of the frontline frigate INS Beas.

• INS Beas is the first of Brahmaputra Class Frigate to be re-powered from Steam to Diesel Propulsion. 

INS Beas

• About: INS Beas (F37) is a Brahmaputra-class frigate of the Indian Navy.
• It was built at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• It was commissioned on 11th July 2005.
• Name Heritage: It 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.
• Role: It is a versatile warship capable of a range of missions, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-ship warfare. 

oIt is also used for patrolling, surveillance, and providing security to India's maritime interests.

• Features

oThe design and construction of the ship are entirely Indian and are a modification of the Godavari-class frigate.

oIt has a displacement of about 3,850 tonnes.

oThe ship has a length of 126 metres (413 feet) and a beam width of 14.5 metres (48 feet).

• Propulsion: 2 steam turbines 
• Speed: It is capable of reaching speeds of over 30 knots, making it swift and agile in naval operations.
• Operations. It is fitted with an array of modern sensor suites and matching weapon systems.