The Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra, which was severely damaged in a dockyard accident in July 2024, is on a meticulous path to recovery. According to senior defence officials, the vessel is expected to regain seaworthiness by the end of 2025 and be fully combat-ready by June or July 2026.

This 3,850-tonne warship, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and commissioned in the year 2000, faced a tragic incident on 21 July 2024, when it tipped over at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard due to a destabilising firefighting operation that followed an onboard fire.

What Happened During the Accident

The accident took place after a fire broke out aboard INS Brahmaputra. While tackling the fire, large volumes of water were pumped into the ship to douse the flames, which inadvertently led to a loss of stability, causing the vessel to tip over. Tragically, Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh lost his life while trying to evacuate the ship during the incident.

Repair and Restoration Timeline

Following the incident, INS Brahmaputra was moved to a dry dock in November 2024. A comprehensive damage assessment was conducted before the initiation of phased repair operations.

As per the Indian Navy:

• Restoration of ‘float and move’ capabilities (structural integrity and propulsion) is being prioritised and is expected to be completed by end of 2025 or early 2026.

• The ‘fight’ capability, referring to the combat readiness, is likely to be fully restored by mid-2026.

This approach follows a three-phase principle of “Float, Move, and Fight”, which represents a warship’s operational status in terms of buoyancy, mobility, and combat effectiveness.

Refit Efforts and Involvement of Crew

The Indian Navy stated that work is progressing in multiple phases:

• Focus is currently on restoring the hull, propulsion systems, and power generation systems.

• Damaged equipment is being removed and refurbished in workshops located at the dockyard.

• Simultaneously, work is underway to reactivate and test the ship’s combat systems.

Importantly, INS Brahmaputra’s crew is actively assisting and coordinating the repair operations, ensuring the crew's technical familiarity is retained even during the downtime.

Naval Chief’s Response and Task Force Formation

Immediately following the incident, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, visited the accident site in Mumbai and instructed the Western Naval Command to prioritise the ship’s restoration. He also directed the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) headed by a Rear Admiral to:

• Investigate the causes of the accident

• Review and improve safety and firefighting protocols

• Recommend standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent future mishaps

The STF has submitted its findings, and the recommended safety measures have been shared across all naval commands for immediate implementation.

Safety Emphasis During Naval Commanders’ Conference

In April 2025, during a four-day Naval Commanders’ Conference, a special session was held focusing on:

• The safety protocols implemented after the Brahmaputra accident

• Follow-up actions taken on STF recommendations

• Broader themes like modernisation, indigenisation, and operational preparedness

This clearly indicates that the Navy leadership is treating safety and asset protection as a top priority.

Subsequent Naval Incidents Raise Concerns

Despite proactive measures, the Hindustan Times reported that two more naval accidents occurred even after the formation of the STF. These incidents have led to increased calls for:

• Tighter enforcement of safety norms

• Comprehensive fleet-wide training

• Advanced monitoring systems to avoid recurrence of such accidents

These developments may prompt further reviews and technological upgrades to enhance fleet-wide safety standards.

Importance of INS Brahmaputra to Indian Navy

INS Brahmaputra is part of the Indian Navy’s powerful Brahmaputra-class frigates, and it plays a key role in maritime security operations, especially in:

• Surveillance

• Anti-submarine warfare

• Escort missions

Its quick restoration is crucial not just to restore capacity, but also to uphold naval deterrence in sensitive waters amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Key Learnings and Way Forward

The incident involving INS Brahmaputra serves as a reminder of the risks associated with naval operations, even during dockyard maintenance. However, the Navy’s prompt actions in:

• Forming a dedicated task force

• Implementing recommendations fleet-wide

• Prioritising the restoration of the frigate

...underscore a resilient and responsive command structure.

With the refit progressing steadily, INS Brahmaputra is set to return to India's combat fleet in less than two years, showcasing the Navy’s capacity to recover and reinforce its strategic maritime assets.

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