The Indian Navy is gearing up for a major upgrade, with plans to build around 17 new warships and 9 submarines awaiting approval. In addition to the 61 warships and submarines currently being built, this reflects India’s clear intent to enhance its naval power through indigenous shipbuilding efforts.

Big Projects in the Pipeline

Several high-value projects worth over ₹2.4 lakh crore are in advanced stages of discussion. Some of the key ones include:

Under Project 17B, which is worth ₹70,000 crore, seven state-of-the-art frigates and two multi-role vessels are planned, and the government is likely to open the bidding process soon. 

Project 75-India, also worth ₹70,000 crore, aims to add six next-generation submarines to boost underwater warfare capabilities. An additional ₹36,000 crore will go toward expanding the current Scorpene-class submarine fleet by three more vessels under the Project 75 Add-On. Another ₹36,000 crore has been allocated for building eight next-generation corvettes to strengthen coastal defense and patrolling.

Why This Expansion Matters

The Indian Navy’s current fleet has around 130 ships and submarines, but many are ageing and need replacement. Meanwhile, China’s navy has grown rapidly, now operating 355 warships. India is accelerating its military upgrades to meet the evolving security demands of the region.

One major concern is the submarine fleet. While six Scorpene-class submarines have been added in recent years, the Navy still operates 12 old submarines that are due for replacement. These new projects aim to replace aging vessels while also increasing the fleet’s capacity to handle future threats.

The Missing Piece: New Destroyers

While many new ships are planned, there’s no immediate project for next-generation destroyers. India’s Delhi-class destroyers, which entered service in 1997, have crossed the 25-year mark. Though they can serve for another 10-15 years with upgrades, the Navy needs to start planning new destroyer projects soon since building them takes 7-8 years. Delays in action could lead to a shortage of these vital warships, which are essential for both attack and defense missions.

Also Read: India to Hike Defence Spending to 2.5% of GDP: Big Boost for Military & ‘Make in India’

Goal: 175-Ship Navy by 2035

The Indian Ocean’s security is a priority as the Navy plans to expand to 175 advanced warships by 2035, driven by indigenous innovation and self-sufficiency in defense.

Final Thoughts

With rising maritime challenges, India’s naval expansion is a necessary step. The addition of new ships and submarines will replace outdated ones, strengthen combat capabilities, and ensure the Navy is prepared for future challenges. However, long delays in approvals and construction mean that time is of the essence—the sooner these projects get the green light, the stronger India’s maritime security will be.