Indian Navy Set for Major Expansion: 17 Warships & 9 Submarines Approved, 61 Already Under Construction
The Indian Navy is heading into a new era of maritime dominance as 17 new warships and 9 submarines are in various stages of approval, adding to the 61 vessels already under construction across Indian shipyards. This development marks a major push under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives to modernize India’s naval forces.61 warships already under construction in India
17 additional warships and 9 submarines under approval
RFPs (Request for Proposals) for Project 17B Frigates and 2 Multi-Purpose Vessels to be issued soon
Emphasis on self-reliance and indigenous defence production
Project 17B Frigates: The Backbone of Future Combat:
The upcoming Project 17B frigates will be an advanced version of the stealth guided-missile frigates. Designed by the Directorate of Naval Design, they will enhance India's blue-water capabilities with state-of-the-art sensors, weapons, and stealth technology.
Submarines & Multi-Purpose Vessels:
Alongside warships, the Indian Navy is also reinforcing its undersea warfare strength. The inclusion of 9 new submarines, some of which may be built under the Strategic Partnership model, will help counter rising threats in the Indian Ocean Region.
The 2 Multi-Purpose Vessels will likely support humanitarian missions, amphibious operations, and logistics in disaster-prone coastal areas.
Make in India: A Naval Powerhouse in the Making:
This ambitious expansion underscores India’s vision to become a self-reliant naval power. Indigenous shipbuilding has been prioritized, with public and private shipyards actively involved, including Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, GRSE, Cochin Shipyard, and L&T Shipbuilding.
Strategic Implications:
With mounting regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific, this naval upgrade boosts India's deterrence capabilities and ensures a robust presence across strategic maritime zones.
The Indian Navy’s modernization drive, backed by domestic manufacturing and strategic foresight, is not just a defence initiative—it’s a statement. With 87 vessels in the pipeline, India is rapidly transitioning into a maritime powerhouse in Asia.