Navy Chief Reviews MDL’s Preparedness for Upcoming Warship and Submarine Projects

The visit comes as the Navy advances plans to expand its fleet and strengthen indigenous warship and submarine manufacturing capabilities.

In a statement, MDL said its leadership had reaffirmed the shipyard’s commitment to meeting the Navy’s future requirements as India moves towards a stronger and more self-reliant maritime sector.

The shipyard also highlighted its longstanding partnership with the Indian Navy, saying the collaboration had played a significant role in establishing MDL as a major builder of frontline warships and submarines.

MDL Expands Indigenous Warship-Building Capabilities

MDL has delivered three of the four multi-mission advanced stealth guided-missile frigates assigned to it under the Navy’s Project 17A. The shipyard has also built and delivered advanced guided-missile destroyers under Project 15B.

It has completed the production line for Kalvari-class, or Scorpene, conventional submarines and is preparing for potential additional orders.

MDL is also part of a consortium that has submitted a bid for the Navy’s Landing Platform Dock (LPD) project. These large vessels are designed to transport troops, military vehicles and aircraft, supporting amphibious operations and other maritime missions.

Navy Accelerates Fleet Expansion Plans

The Indian Navy aims to increase its fleet of warships and support vessels to around 200 by 2035, with procurement plans covering multiple categories of combat and support platforms.

Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar recently said 42 platforms were on order with Indian shipyards. Another 78 vessels and 120 fast interceptor crafts, with a combined estimated value of ₹2.41 lakh crore, had received Acceptance of Necessity, or in-principle approval, and were at different stages of procurement.

The planned acquisitions include several major surface combatant programmes.

New Destroyers and Stealth Frigates in the Pipeline

The Navy is planning to procure four advanced guided-missile destroyers estimated to cost around ₹50,000 crore. The vessels are expected to build on the Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class designs, incorporating upgraded sensors and air defence systems. A Request for Proposal is likely to be issued in 2027.

Another proposal involves the construction of six stealth frigates under Project 17B, with an estimated value of ₹40,000 crore. The programme is expected to involve MDL and Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE).

The Navy is also considering next-generation destroyers under Project 18A. These vessels are envisaged as large warships with a displacement of approximately 14,000 to 15,000 tonnes.

Submarine Modernisation Remains a Priority

Submarine acquisition is another major component of the Navy’s long-term modernisation plans.

Final approval for the construction of six conventional submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems under Project 75(I) is expected. The technology is designed to allow conventional submarines to remain submerged for longer periods without surfacing as frequently.

The Navy is also pursuing plans to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines under Project 77.

Admiral Swaminathan’s discussions with MDL leadership underline the importance of shipyard preparedness as these programmes advance. The capacity of domestic shipbuilders to deliver complex naval platforms will remain central to India’s efforts to expand its fleet and strengthen maritime self-reliance.