Nearly a year after the Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra suffered a catastrophic accident at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, efforts are now in full swing to bring the warship back to operational status. Once feared to be beyond recovery, the indigenous frigate is expected to regain seaworthiness by late 2025 or early 2026, and be fully combat-ready by mid-2026, according to senior naval officials familiar with the matter.
The 3,850-tonne warship tipped over on July 21, 2024, following a fire onboard. The incident claimed the life of Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh, who drowned while attempting to escape the ship during the emergency. Most of the crew either exited via the gangway or swam to safety, but Singh did not survive.
After the ship was brought back to an upright position, it was moved to dry dock in November 2024. A comprehensive damage assessment was conducted, and a phased restoration plan was put in place. According to officials, repair work is focused on restoring the “float, move and fight” capabilities of the warship—naval terminology referring to structural integrity, propulsion and maneuverability, and combat systems, respectively.
Restoration of the hull, propulsion, and power systems is underway to regain basic operational movement. Simultaneously, damaged equipment is being removed and sent to dockyard workshops for repair or replacement. The “fight” component—encompassing sensors, radars, and weaponry—is also being addressed, with crew members actively involved in coordination alongside dockyard engineers.
Commissioned in 2000 and built by Kolkata’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), INS Brahmaputra has been a key part of the Navy’s surface fleet. The current recovery plan demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to maintaining its operational strength and preserving indigenously-built assets.
Immediately after the accident, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Mumbai to inspect the damage and directed the Western Naval Command to prioritize the warship’s recovery. In the aftermath, a special task force (STF) led by a rear admiral was constituted to investigate safety lapses and recommend systemic reforms across naval facilities.
The STF has since submitted its findings, and its safety and procedural recommendations have been disseminated across all naval commands. Implementation of these measures is currently underway, with clear directives issued to ensure enhanced operational safety across the fleet.
Despite these efforts, the Navy has faced further challenges, with two more accidents reported after the STF was established. These incidents have prompted even deeper introspection and heightened emphasis on safety protocols. Earlier in April, a four-day Naval Commanders’ Conference—chaired by Admiral Tripathi—held a special session dedicated to reviewing safety actions taken across commands and reinforcing operational standards.
The recovery of INS Brahmaputra serves as both a technical and symbolic milestone for the Indian Navy. Not only does it reflect resilience in the face of adversity, but it also highlights the importance of self-reliance, professionalism, and a renewed focus on safety as the Navy continues to modernize and strengthen its maritime capabilities.
