Indian Navy Sets Sails for Global Supremacy: Fleet Expansion Targets 200 Warships and Submarines by 2035

In a bold stride towards maritime dominance, the Indian Navy has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its fleet to over 200 warships and submarines by 2035, up from the current 140. This strategic move aims to bolster India's maritime security and assert its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, countering the growing naval influence of China and Pakistan.

Strategic Expansion and Indigenous Development

The Indian Navy's expansion plan is anchored in indigenous development, with 55 warships currently under construction across six domestic shipyards. The Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of 74 additional warships, signaling a significant boost to India's shipbuilding capabilities. This initiative aligns with the government's vision of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing, reducing dependency on foreign imports.

The fleet modernization encompasses the induction of advanced vessels, including nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and destroyers equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. By 2030, the Navy plans to have 13 destroyers and 20 frigates, each armed with over 300 BrahMos missiles, enhancing its strike capabilities and deterrence posture.

Technological Advancements and Future Readiness

The Navy's roadmap also emphasizes technological advancements, with plans to develop nuclear-powered surface warships, hypersonic missiles, and laser-based weapons. These cutting-edge technologies aim to enhance the Navy's operational efficiency and response capabilities in a rapidly evolving maritime security environment.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted the importance of integrating disruptive technologies, including space, cyber, and artificial intelligence, to create a future-ready Navy. The Navy's focus on technological integration reflects its commitment to maintaining a strategic edge over regional adversaries.

Global Naval Power Rankings

When assessed by combat capability—particularly the number of aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and trained personnel—the Indian Navy stands among the world's top four naval forces.

As of 2025, India operates two aircraft carriers, one nuclear-powered submarine, 11 destroyers, 13 frigates, and 22 corvettes, supported by a professional force of nearly 70,000 naval personnel. This robust combination of high-value combat assets places India ahead of several regional powers and only slightly behind the United States, China, and Russia in terms of blue-water operational reach.

With the planned expansion to three aircraft carriers, four nuclear submarines, 13 destroyers, 20 frigates, and more than 30 corvettes by 2035—alongside enhanced personnel training and infrastructure—India is projected to solidify its position as the third or fourth most powerful navy globally. This growth will not only increase India’s deterrence capability but also strengthen its ability to secure vital sea lanes and respond to evolving security threats across the Indo-Pacific region.

India's ambitious naval expansion plan reflects its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests and asserting its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Through indigenous development, technological advancements, and strategic planning, the Indian Navy is poised to become a formidable force in global maritime security.