Indian Navy Plans Four Advanced Landing Platform Docks: HSL and L&T Lead the Race with Global Collaborations

The Indian Navy is gearing up to significantly enhance its amphibious warfare capabilities with the acquisition of four new Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). These advanced vessels are set to play a pivotal role in a range of operations, including amphibious assaults, troop transportation, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions. As India focuses on expanding its maritime influence and modernizing its fleet, the LPD program stands out as a cornerstone of the Navy’s future strategy.

A Critical Choice: Indigenous Design or Global Collaboration

The project, which has been in the works since 2021, gained momentum when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a Request for Information (RFI) specifying that the ships should be built by Indian shipyards. While this aligns with the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative, the complexity of designing and building LPDs has necessitated collaboration with foreign defense firms for advanced technology and design expertise.

This hybrid approach allows Indian shipbuilders to partner with experienced international players, ensuring the Navy gets state-of-the-art vessels while also boosting indigenous manufacturing capabilities. Two major contenders have emerged for this ambitious project: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

The Competition: Key Partnerships and Designs

HSL has joined forces with France's Naval Group, leveraging the company's rich expertise in amphibious shipbuilding. Naval Group has a stellar reputation, having developed several cutting-edge naval platforms, which could provide a technological edge to HSL's proposal.

Meanwhile, L&T has partnered with Spain’s Navantia, presenting a strong case with their variant of the Juan Carlos I-class amphibious assault ship. The Juan Carlos I design is renowned for its multi-role capability, featuring a large well deck for landing craft, advanced aviation facilities for helicopters and fighter jets, and substantial cargo capacity. Its proven operational efficiency makes it a highly attractive option for the Indian Navy.

Both shipyards are expected to incorporate significant indigenous content, ensuring compliance with India’s defense procurement policies. The vessels will likely be outfitted with cutting-edge combat management systems, radar technology, and anti-missile defense systems sourced from Indian companies, further solidifying the program's domestic manufacturing focus.

Specifications and Capabilities

The Indian Navy's LPDs are envisioned as multi-role platforms capable of carrying out both combat and non-combat missions. Each LPD is expected to have a displacement of 25,000 to 30,000 tons, a length of approximately 200 meters, and the capacity to transport over 1,000 troops. The ships will also house several helicopters, including advanced utility and attack variants, along with the ability to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The well deck is a critical feature, designed to accommodate landing craft and amphibious vehicles, enabling seamless ship-to-shore operations. Additionally, the ships will feature medical facilities to support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. Their endurance and range are expected to enable extended deployments, bolstering India’s ability to project power in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the promising partnerships and advanced design proposals, the LPD program faces several hurdles. Budgetary constraints are a significant concern, as the cost of building four such sophisticated vessels is substantial. Additionally, the success of the program hinges on smooth technology transfer agreements with foreign collaborators and the ability to maintain stringent timelines for delivery.

The government’s push for private-sector involvement in defense manufacturing has also introduced a competitive dynamic. However, this competition could drive innovation and efficiency, ensuring that the Navy receives world-class vessels.

Strategic Significance

Once operational, these LPDs will be transformative for the Indian Navy’s amphibious and humanitarian missions. Their ability to deploy troops, equipment, and helicopters quickly in remote or contested regions will enhance India’s rapid response capabilities. Moreover, these vessels will reinforce India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, aligning with its broader geopolitical objectives in an increasingly contested region.

A final decision on the winning bidder is anticipated soon, and the outcome will mark a significant milestone in the Navy's modernization journey. Whether built on a fully indigenous blueprint or shaped by foreign expertise, the new LPDs will be pivotal in enhancing India’s naval power and strategic readiness.