The maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific is changing faster than ever before. For the Indian Navy, the pressure to maintain a credible presence is tied directly to the strength of its order book. Currently, India has approximately 65 ships and submarines under construction across various domestic shipyards. While this number sounds impressive, a deeper look at the specific ship types and induction rates reveals a complex race against time. To meet the goal of a 175 to 200 ship fleet by 2035, the Navy must accelerate its contracting process and maintain a steady rhythm of inductions.
Status of Destroyers and Frigates
The surface combatant segment is currently the most active part of the naval order book. The final ship of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam class destroyers was commissioned recently. This marks the end of the current destroyer production line. Consequently, the Navy is now pushing for the Project 18 class. This next generation of destroyers is expected to be significantly larger and more heavily armed than its predecessors. Placing orders for these ships is a priority to ensure that the massive infrastructure at Mazagon Dock does not sit idle.
In the frigate category, the Project 17A Nilgiri class is the current focus. Seven of these stealth frigates are in various stages of construction and fitting out at Mazagon Dock and Garden Reach Shipbuilders. These ships represent a major technological leap with advanced radar and stealth features. However, as the Project 17A nears its final delivery phase, the Navy is already planning for the Project 17B. This follow on project will likely involve eight more frigates to ensure that the escort fleet for Indian aircraft carriers remains robust.
The Submarine Challenge and Project 75I
The underwater domain remains a point of concern for naval planners. The original Kalvari class project based on the Scorpene design is now complete with all six vessels delivered. To bridge the gap until the next generation arrives, the government has moved toward a repeat order of three additional Kalvari class submarines. These will feature advanced air independent propulsion systems.
The long delayed Project 75I is finally seeing movement with a contest between international partners. This project aims to build six conventional submarines with high endurance capabilities. However, submarine construction is a slow process. If the contracts for Project 75I are not finalized soon, the aging conventional fleet will struggle to maintain its presence in the Indian Ocean. The need for fresh orders in this sector is perhaps the most urgent requirement on the naval desk.
Ongoing Builds and Small Combatants
Beyond the large capital ships, the Navy is investing heavily in smaller vessels. There are sixteen Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft currently being built at Cochin Shipyard and Garden Reach. These ships are essential for protecting coastal assets and keeping the immediate maritime zones clear of underwater threats. Additionally, the Navy has placed orders for next generation survey vessels and diving support ships.
Another major project on the horizon is the Next Generation Corvette. The Navy plans to induct eight of these highly capable small combatants to replace the aging Veer and Kora class ships. These builds are distributed across multiple private and public yards to foster a broader defense industrial base. The goal is to move toward a modular construction approach that reduces the time from keel laying to commissioning.
Induction Rates and Future Pace
Over the past five years, the Indian Navy has maintained an induction rate of roughly four to five major ships annually. This is a respectable pace for a nation focusing on indigenous design and construction. However, maintaining this rate over the next decade will require significant fiscal support. The shipyard capacity in India has improved, but the procurement cycle often suffers from administrative delays.
To reach the 2035 target, the Navy needs to commission at least six to eight ships per year. This includes not just surface combatants but also support ships and tankers. The recent approval for a second indigenous aircraft carrier is a positive sign. This sister ship to the INS Vikrant will ensure that India can maintain at least two carrier battle groups at sea while a third undergoes maintenance.
The Contrast with the People’s Liberation Army Navy
The urgency of the Indian naval buildup is highlighted by the rapid expansion of the Chinese Navy. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is currently the largest in the world by ship count. China is commissioning major surface combatants at a rate that far exceeds any other nation. In some years, China has launched as many as ten to fifteen ships, including massive Type 055 destroyers which are comparable to cruisers.
India cannot match China in terms of sheer numbers or industrial scale. Therefore, the Indian strategy focuses on quality and localized dominance. By building ships that are specifically optimized for the unique conditions of the Indian Ocean, New Delhi hopes to offset the numerical advantage of the Chinese fleet. However, the qualitative edge can only go so far if the gap in ship numbers becomes too wide.
What Does the Future Look Like For Navy?
The Indian Navy is currently in a state of transition. The order book is healthy, but it is at a point where old projects are ending and new ones have yet to reach full production. The coming five years will be decisive. If the orders for Project 18 destroyers, Project 17B frigates, and Project 75I submarines are placed without further delay, the Navy will stay on track. If these decisions are postponed, the induction rate will dip just as regional threats are rising. For India, a strong navy is the only way to ensure that the Indian Ocean remains an area of cooperation rather than conflict.
About the Author
