The Indian Navy is preparing to acquire four amphibious warships valued at approximately ₹80,000 crore. The vessels, designed to expand India’s maritime capabilities, will serve as command hubs and support amphibious operations, according to defence ministry officials briefed on the plans.
Background: What the Navy Plans to Acquire
The proposed vessels are Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), large amphibious warships capable of transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment. According to a report by The Economic Times, the ships will also serve as floating command and control centres, enabling the Navy to coordinate operations at sea for extended periods.
The warships are expected to carry fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and deploy long-range anti-ship missiles for deterrence and defence. Officials have indicated that the vessels will also possess air defence systems to protect against aerial threats.
Domestic Shipyards and International Partners
The construction is expected to be led by Indian shipyards, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).
International firms are likely to contribute through design or technical partnerships. Potential collaborators include Navantia (Spain), Naval Group (France), and Fincantieri (Italy), each with experience in producing large amphibious vessels.
Why This Matters for India’s Naval Strategy
India’s maritime doctrine has long emphasised the need for amphibious capability, particularly for operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Analysts argue that the acquisition aligns with India’s goals of countering growing naval activity by China and enhancing rapid-response capacity for regional crises.
According to defence analyst Rear Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande (Retd.), “Amphibious ships provide versatility—not just in conflict but also in humanitarian and disaster relief missions. For India, they are essential for projecting influence and securing sea lanes.”
Project Timeline and Challenges
The Ministry of Defence has not yet disclosed a timeline for construction or induction. However, similar projects in the past faced delays. Earlier proposals under the Multi-Role Support Vessel (MRSV) programme did not progress beyond the request-for-information stage.
Industry observers caution that costs could escalate, given the complexity of building such large platforms domestically. Securing reliable international partnerships and ensuring technology transfer will be crucial to meeting deadlines.
Strategic and Economic Implications
If approved and completed, this project would represent one of India’s largest surface warship construction efforts to date. The programme is expected to create thousands of jobs across Indian shipyards and strengthen the government’s “Make in India” defence initiative.
Beyond national security, the vessels could play an important role in disaster relief. India has frequently deployed its Navy for humanitarian assistance, including during the 2004 tsunami and more recent regional emergencies. Amphibious warships, with their ability to carry helicopters, landing craft, and supplies, would significantly enhance such missions.
Conclusion
The proposed acquisition of four amphibious warships signals a significant step in India’s naval modernisation. While challenges remain in execution and cost management, the project is poised to expand India’s maritime reach, strengthen defence preparedness, and bolster its role as a regional security provider.
