The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a major naval modernisation programme worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore for the construction of eight Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) for the Indian Navy. The decision marks an important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous warship-building capabilities and enhancing its maritime security presence across the Indian Ocean Region.
According to reports, the contracts for the eight warships are expected to be signed in the coming days with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Under the proposed arrangement, GRSE is expected to construct five corvettes, while GSL will build the remaining three. The first vessel is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2030.
The Next Generation Corvettes will be developed using an indigenous design prepared by the Indian Navy and incorporating modern shipbuilding technologies. These warships are expected to be versatile platforms capable of performing multiple operational roles, including anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare. Their capabilities will support a wide range of naval missions, from maritime surveillance and escort operations to coastal defence and offensive maritime operations.
The vessels are also expected to undertake Surface Action Group (SAG) operations, search-and-attack missions and deterrence activities. Their multi-role configuration will provide the Navy with greater operational flexibility, particularly in areas requiring a rapid response to emerging maritime threats.
The programme comes at a time when India is placing greater emphasis on strengthening its naval presence and protecting its strategic maritime interests. The Indian Ocean Region remains important for international trade, energy transportation and regional security, making the availability of modern and capable naval platforms increasingly significant.
The participation of GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited also highlights the growing role of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry in meeting the requirements of the armed forces. Assigning construction work to both shipyards is expected to support indigenous manufacturing capabilities and contribute to the development of India’s defence industrial ecosystem.
The project also aligns with the government’s broader push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. By relying on an indigenous warship design and domestic shipyards, the programme is expected to strengthen India’s ability to develop and manufacture advanced naval platforms within the country.
With an estimated investment of Rs 40,000 crore, the eight Next Generation Corvettes are expected to become an important addition to the Indian Navy’s future fleet. Their induction will further support the Navy’s efforts to enhance combat readiness, maritime surveillance and operational capabilities in an increasingly complex maritime security environment.