Indian Navy Eyes Homegrown 200m Landing Platform Docks with 900-Troop Capacity

In a bold step towards fortifying its amphibious capabilities, the Indian Navy is exploring the construction of state-of-the-art Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), aiming to build them domestically. This ambitious project aligns with India’s broader goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reflects its growing maritime strength.

The initiative follows the release of a Request for Information (RFI) in 2021, which invited major Indian shipbuilders such as Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) to participate. Other key players, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), have also shown interest. These companies have proposed innovative designs in collaboration with international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), signaling the Navy’s intent to leverage global expertise while boosting local production capabilities.

The specifications of these LPDs indicate their potential to significantly enhance India’s amphibious warfare capabilities. Measuring around 200 meters in length, these colossal ships will be able to carry a crew of 540 sailors along with 900 combat-ready troops. With a displacement of up to 8,000 tons, these ships are engineered for both endurance and capacity, allowing the Navy to deploy significant manpower and equipment during extended missions.

Speed and range are key considerations in the design. The Indian Navy envisions a cruising speed of 14 to 16 knots, supported by an impressive range of 10,000 nautical miles at an economical pace. This will allow the LPDs to operate across vast distances, extending their deployment capabilities to remote areas of interest, a crucial factor for a navy looking to project power across the Indo-Pacific region.

A standout feature of these LPDs is their propulsion system. The Navy has specified either an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) or Hybrid Propulsion system, highlighting its commitment to modern and environmentally friendly technologies. This emphasis on electric propulsion is expected to make these vessels more efficient, quieter, and less reliant on traditional fuel sources.

While these LPDs are primarily designed for amphibious operations, they will also be heavily armed. The Navy plans to equip the ships with a formidable array of weapons, including 32 Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missiles (VLSRSAM) for air defence and 16 anti-ship missiles for offensive operations. Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), heavy machine guns with stabilized mounts, and medium machine guns will bolster the vessel’s defensive capabilities. Future upgrades may even include directed energy weapons, underscoring the cutting-edge nature of these platforms.

On the sensor front, the LPDs will be equipped with an advanced suite of systems to enhance situational awareness. This includes a 3D air surveillance radar, surface surveillance radar, electronic warfare support systems, and an electro-optical/infrared search and track system. These systems will enable the ships to operate effectively in complex, multi-domain environments where detecting and neutralizing threats is critical.

The design also includes a unique "through deck" configuration, essentially transforming the LPDs into Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs). This allows for seamless flight operations, enabling the ships to conduct simultaneous helicopter operations from their hangars and decks. The LPDs will be capable of carrying a range of aircraft, including two heavy-lift helicopters, 12 special operations helicopters, and two Naval Ship-borne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS). The hangar is designed to house all these aircraft, while the reinforced forward deck will allow for the operation of heavy-lift helicopters.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the Indian Navy’s decision to build these LPDs domestically. By partnering with local shipyards and manufacturers, the Navy not only aims to strengthen its amphibious capabilities but also contributes to the growth of India's defence industry. This project is a reflection of the country’s ongoing push for indigenization in defence production, a key part of India’s "Make in India" initiative. 

With the construction of these LPDs, the Indian Navy is positioning itself as a formidable force in the region, capable of conducting complex amphibious operations and safeguarding India’s maritime interests. The project also highlights India's ambition to emerge as a major player in global shipbuilding, enhancing its strategic autonomy and showcasing its growing expertise in defence manufacturing.