India is on the verge of a major boost to its naval capabilities, with the Cabinet Committee on Security likely to approve a ₹40,000 crore initiative to build eight New Generation Corvettes. The ships will be manufactured domestically by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Goa Shipyard Limited, underscoring the government’s emphasis on indigenous defence production. Though smaller than larger combatants, these corvettes will be multi-role platforms capable of high-speed operations and missions spanning anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and surface combat.
The need for replacement arises as the Navy’s current Veer, Khukri, and Kora-class vessels near obsolescence after decades of service. The upcoming corvettes will deliver improved performance, survivability, and operational flexibility, while complementing existing assets such as the Kamorta-class fleet. Their development also reflects India’s shift toward self-designed and locally built naval systems, reducing reliance on foreign-origin platforms.
This modernisation push comes amid growing regional competition, particularly with Pakistan’s deployment of Babur-class corvettes based on Turkey’s MILGEM design. India’s new ships are expected to offset this development and ensure continued maritime superiority. Scheduled for induction beginning around 2030, the vessels will enter service in phases, steadily reinforcing naval strength.
At the same time, India is enhancing its carrier aviation by acquiring 26 Rafale-M fighters, which will be deployed aboard INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Replacing the MiG-29K fleet, these jets will significantly boost strike capability at sea. Collectively, these acquisitions represent a decisive step in building a modern, balanced, and self-reliant naval force capable of addressing emerging threats in the region.
