Indian Navy To Induct 45 Warships In Next Four Years, Targets 200-Ship Fleet By 2035

India’s navy plans to induct around 45 warships and support vessels over the next three to four years amid rising regional security competition and growing pressure on key sea lanes.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsyan, the Indian Navy’s Vice Chief, said the navy currently has around 45 ships under construction at Indian shipyards.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during the launch of Sanghamitra, the first of four next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs) being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata.

The navy is also preparing for a much larger expansion programme. Vatsyan said the government has already given Acceptance of Necessity, an initial procurement approval, for another 69 ships, six submarines and 120 fast interceptor craft.

“There is a very big opportunity for the entire defence building ecosystem to deliver quality products in time with the capabilities required by the Indian Navy,” he said.

India is aiming to strengthen domestic warship production as part of its self-reliance programme while increasing naval deployments across the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy currently operates around 140 vessels and plans to increase its fleet to between 155 and 160 ships by 2030.

It is targeting a 200-ship fleet by 2035 as regional maritime competition grows and China expands its presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at the event, Vatsyan said the Indian Navy has developed into a force focused not only on combat readiness but also on maintaining stability at sea through cooperation, operational presence and maritime security operations.

The newly launched NGOPV Sanghamitra is larger and more capable than older offshore patrol vessels, according to officials.

The ship is designed for coastal and offshore security missions, maritime interdiction operations, surveillance missions and support for special operations.

Officials said the vessel is around 113 metres long and 14.6 metres wide, with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes. It has an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots and can reach a top speed of 23 knots.

The ship will also be capable of protecting offshore assets, carrying out visit-board-search-and-seizure operations and supporting mine warfare missions.

References: thehindubusinessline, timesofindia