Indian Navy Corvette Project Gets CCS Clearance
The Centre has approved a project worth more than Rs 40,000 crore to construct eight Next-Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the programme on Wednesday. Contracts with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited are expected to be signed in the coming days.
The programme aims to strengthen the Navy’s surface fleet while expanding domestic warship manufacturing. Both state-owned shipyards will participate in building the vessels, although the source does not specify how many ships each will construct.
Indian Navy Corvettes To Feature Stealth Design
The planned corvettes will be approximately 2,000-tonne surface combatants capable of reaching around 30 knots. They will incorporate a new stealth design developed in-house by the Indian Navy, alongside advanced shipbuilding technologies.
Designed for multiple roles, the vessels are intended to undertake anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare missions. Their responsibilities will also include coastal defence, maritime patrol, and search and rescue operations.
Advanced weapons, sensors and manoeuvrability are expected to improve their operational flexibility. These capabilities will allow the ships to support a range of maritime security requirements across the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Navy Project Targets Over 70% Indigenous Content
The programme is expected to incorporate more than 70% indigenous content, supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and efforts to strengthen domestic defence production. Construction in India is also intended to support the SAGAR vision, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.
The order is expected to provide long-term business visibility for GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited. It could also create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across suppliers and micro, small and medium enterprises involved in the shipbuilding ecosystem.
Indian Navy First Corvette Delivery Targeted For 2030
Construction of the first vessel is expected to begin within a year, with its delivery targeted for 2030, according to the source. These dates remain programme targets rather than confirmed delivery commitments. The project forms part of the Navy’s wider fleet modernisation efforts as it addresses maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
The new corvettes will complement other shipbuilding programmes, including Nilgiri-class frigates, next-generation destroyers and fleet support ships. Contract signing and subsequent construction milestones will determine the programme’s progress towards its delivery goals.
