NEW DELHI — In one of its largest naval acquisitions in recent years, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has formally cleared a ₹40,000-crore project to construct eight Next-Generation Corvettes (NGCs) for the Indian Navy.
The decision, taken in a high-level CCS meeting, sets the stage for formal contracts to be signed in the coming days with two state-owned defence shipbuilders: Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Under the procurement plan, GRSE—which emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) during commercial evaluations—will build five of the stealth corvettes, a share valued at approximately ₹33,000 crore. Goa Shipyard Limited will manufacture the remaining three vessels at matching unit costs. The first vessel is slated for delivery by 2030, though both shipyards are currently exploring measures to accelerate construction schedules.
Modernising the Fleet
The new surface combatants are intended to replace the Indian Navy’s ageing Khukri-class and Kora-class missile corvettes. Designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the 2,000-tonne vessels will feature advanced stealth capabilities, low radar-cross-section signatures, and high operational speeds of around 30 knots.
The Next-Generation Corvettes are multi-role platforms built for a wide spectrum of operations, including:
Surface Action Group (SAG) operations and deterrence missions.
Anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
Escort operations, coastal defense, and sea-line protection.
Strategic Significance in the Indian Ocean
The acquisition aligns with India’s broader maritime strategy under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, which emphasizes strengthening security and surveillance across key Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean Region.
The clearance also marks a significant boost for indigenous defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat drive, channeling substantial order volume into local shipyards, heavy industry, and sub-system suppliers.
With technical and commercial negotiations concluded, the Ministry of Defence is expected to execute the shipbuilding contracts shortly, initiating detailed engineering and steel-cutting phases at both GRSE and GSL.
With agency inputs.
