Indian Navy to Soon Issue ₹80,000 Crore Tender for Four Amphibious Warfare Ships

India Defense

The Indian Navy is set to significantly enhance its amphibious warfare capabilities with the upcoming issuance of a ₹80,000 crore ($9 billion) tender for the construction of four large-sized Landing Platform Dock (LPD) warships. This initiative aims to bolster India's maritime strength and strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

Project Overview and Strategic Importance

The proposed LPDs are envisioned to be among the largest surface warships constructed in India. These vessels are expected to feature a displacement of 30,000–40,000 tons, a length of approximately 200 meters, and an endurance of over 45 days. They will be capable of carrying up to 900 troops and 540 sailors, with provisions for operating medium-lift helicopters and landing craft. The ships will be equipped with integrated electric propulsion systems, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations.

The primary objectives of these LPDs include:

• Rapid Deployment: Facilitating swift deployment of troops and equipment to strategic locations.

• Humanitarian Assistance: Providing support during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

• Strategic Mobility: Enhancing the Navy's ability to project power and influence in the region.

These capabilities are crucial for maintaining maritime security and asserting India's presence in the Indo-Pacific, especially amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.

 

Design Options and Collaborations

Several international and domestic designs are being considered for the LPDs:

Juan Carlos I Class (Spain)

• Displacement: Approximately 26,000 tons

• Length: 231 meters

• Beam: 32 meters

• Features: Versatile design capable of operating both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Equipped with a ski-jump ramp for aircraft operations and a well deck for amphibious vehicles.

• Origin: Designed by Navantia for the Spanish Navy.

 

Mistral Class (France)

• Displacement: 16,500 tons (empty), 21,300 tons (full load)

• Length: 199 meters

• Beam: 32 meters

• Features: Offers a well-deck for amphibious operations and a flight deck for helicopters. Known for its rapid deployment capabilities.

• Origin: Developed by Naval Group for the French Navy.

 

Trieste Class (Italy)

• Displacement: 38,000 tons (full load)

• Length: 245 meters (overall), 213.4 meters (length between perpendiculars)

• Beam: 47 meters

• Features: Emphasizes modularity and flexibility, allowing for various mission configurations, including humanitarian assistance and amphibious warfare.

• Origin: Designed by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy.

 

Project 23900 (Russia)

• Displacement: Approximately 40,000 tons

• Length: 220 meters

• Beam: 38 meters

• Features: A large amphibious assault ship featuring a well deck and a flight deck capable of operating heavy-lift helicopters.

• Origin: Developed by United Shipbuilding Corporation for the Russian Navy.

 

Dokdo Class (South Korea)

• Displacement: 14,800 tons (empty), 19,000 tons (full load)

• Length: 199 meters

• Beam: 31 meters

• Features: Designed for amphibious operations with a well deck and a flight deck, capable of carrying a significant number of troops and vehicles.

• Origin: Developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Republic of Korea Navy.

 

Indigenous Indian Design

• Displacement: Approximately 40,000 tons (anticipated)

• Length: Approximately 230 meters (anticipated)

• Beam: Approximately 35 meters (anticipated)

• Features: A proposed design emphasizing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, incorporating advanced technologies and systems tailored to the Indian Navy's requirements.

• Origin: To be developed by Indian shipyards such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

 

Domestically, Indian shipyards such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) are potential contenders for constructing these LPDs. L&T has previously collaborated with Navantia to unveil an LPD design tailored for Indian requirements.

 

Indigenous Development and Future Prospects

The Indian Navy has been operating the INS Jalashwa, an amphibious warfare ship procured from the U.S. Navy, which has been instrumental in humanitarian missions and amphibious operations. However, the need for a fleet of indigenous LPDs has become evident to ensure self-reliance and operational flexibility.

The upcoming LPDs are expected to be constructed under the "Make in India" initiative, promoting domestic shipbuilding capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The project aligns with India's broader defense modernization goals and its commitment to enhancing indigenous defense production.

 

The issuance of the ₹80,000 crore tender for the construction of four LPDs marks a significant step in strengthening India's amphibious warfare capabilities. By investing in these advanced warships, India aims to bolster its maritime security, enhance its strategic reach, and assert its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The collaboration between domestic shipyards and international partners will play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives, paving the way for a more self-reliant and formidable Indian Navy.

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