India Signs Rs 53,866 Crore Deals to Build 8 Advanced Navy Warships

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has signed contracts worth Rs 53,866.50 crore to build eight advanced navy warships.

The contracts cover the construction of Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) for the Indian Navy. The agreement was signed on Monday with two defense public sector shipyards.

Under the contracts, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) will construct five corvettes, while Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) will build the remaining three. The project aims to strengthen India's indigenous warship design and manufacturing capabilities.

The contracts were signed in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

GRSE and Goa Shipyard to Build Eight Next-Generation Corvettes

The project marks the first time that warships will be indigenously designed by the Navy and constructed by defense public sector undertakings (DPSUs) selected through a competitive process, according to the MoD.

Corvettes are fast and manoeuvrable warships, generally smaller than frigates and destroyers. They are primarily designed for coastal and near-sea operations. Their roles include coastal defense, maritime surveillance, patrolling and combat missions.

The eight navy warships will feature advanced equipment and systems to support multiple maritime operations.

According to the Defense Ministry, the vessels will have:

• Advanced missile systems and weapons.
• Modern sensor suites for improved surveillance.
• Capabilities to operate across air, surface and sub-surface domains.
• Systems to support anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

These capabilities will help the Navy strengthen its presence across India's maritime zones.

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Project to Strengthen Indigenous Defense Manufacturing

The new corvettes are expected to improve the Navy's operational capabilities and strengthen India's maritime security.

The vessels will support several critical operations, including:

• Coastal defense and littoral combat operations.
• Anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.
• Protection of maritime trade routes.
• Maritime surveillance and patrolling activities.

The project will also encourage the use of indigenous materials, equipment and technologies. It will help develop domestic technical expertise and support India's efforts to reduce dependence on imported defense equipment.

The contracts also mark an important development for India's defense shipbuilding industry. By involving GRSE and GSL, the project will support domestic shipyards and strengthen their role in building advanced naval platforms.

With an investment of Rs 53,866.50 crore, the programme is expected to contribute to the Navy's long-term requirements while supporting the government's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.