The Indian Navy is rapidly expanding its fleet, adding a new warship or submarine approximately every 40 days. With multiple cutting-edge vessels under construction and a strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing, the Navy aims to modernize and bolster maritime security with a goal of over 200 vessels by 2035.
The Indian Navy's fleet expansion and modernization program is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, reflecting India’s strategic focus on maritime dominance and security. According to recent disclosures, the Navy is adding a new warship or submarine roughly every 40 days, underscoring a robust induction plan integral to its future force projection.
Currently, about 54 ships and submarines are in various stages of construction across six Indian shipyards. This fleet growth includes stealth frigates, anti-submarine warfare shallow-water crafts (ASW-SWCs), next-generation destroyers, and advanced submarines. Ten new warships are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025 alone, marking one of the largest single-phase inductions in recent years.
The Navy’s indigenous construction capabilities are highlighted by vessels like INS Arnala, the largest diesel-engine waterjet propelled anti-submarine warship designed for shallow coastal waters, and the stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. These ships demonstrate advancements in stealth, surveillance, and anti-submarine capabilities critical to safeguarding India’s 7,500 km coastline, ports, island territories, and offshore assets.
Submarine modernization is equally ambitious. The Indian Navy plans to add six next-generation advanced stealth submarines equipped with German-designed Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems under Project 75-India. These submarines will offer prolonged underwater endurance and enhanced stealth, vital for securing critical sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region. Further, the Navy plans to operate up to 230 surface combatants and submarines by 2037, significantly enhancing deterrence and operational reach.
Additionally, the Navy is strengthening its communication infrastructure with new Very Low Frequency (VLF) transmission stations to ensure secure, continuous connectivity with submerged submarines, enhancing operational readiness and command control.
Key Highlights:
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A new warship or submarine is added every 40 days to the Indian Navy’s fleet, signifying rapid naval expansion.
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54 ships are currently under construction with 10 expected to be commissioned in 2025 alone.
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Indigenously built vessels like INS Arnala and stealth frigates showcase advanced maritime warfare capabilities.
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The Indian Navy is advancing submarine technology with German AIP-powered stealth submarines for enhanced underwater endurance.
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Plans are underway to grow the fleet to over 200 vessels by 2035 and up to 230 ships including submarines by 2037.
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New VLF communication stations are being developed for secure underwater communication with submarines.
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The expansion aligns with India's strategic goal of maritime security, regional dominance, and protecting sovereign interests.
This impressive pace of naval induction emphasizes India's commitment to strengthening its maritime frontiers and increasing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Indian Navy’s growing fleet underscores a future-ready force capable of addressing emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
Sources: Press Information Bureau, The Indian Express, The Diplomat, Naval News, PIB Defense Releases, Business Standard, Indian Express, Times of India, and official Indian Navy announcements.
