MDL Signs Teaming Agreement with Swan Defence for Indian Navy’s Landing Platform Docks

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has signed a Teaming Agreement with Swan Defence to work together on the design and construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy. The agreement supports India’s plan to build four amphibious warfare vessels under a project estimated at ₹33,000 crore.

The signing took place in Mumbai, where both companies confirmed their cooperation to advance domestic shipbuilding under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programs. MDL brings long experience in warship and submarine construction, while Swan Defence will contribute to design and technology integration.

The Indian Navy’s LPD project aims to enhance its ability to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment for amphibious operations and disaster-relief missions. Each ship is expected to displace about 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes, with space for helicopters, tanks, armored vehicles, and landing craft. The vessels will also assist in humanitarian and evacuation operations during natural disasters.

The LPD program has been under discussion for several years and has gone through multiple stages of evaluation. MDL, along with L&T, is one of the shortlisted shipyards. The new agreement with Swan Defence will strengthen MDL’s technical capability to meet the Navy’s requirements for multi-role amphibious ships.

Under the agreement, Swan Defence will assist in areas such as concept design, system architecture, and integration of propulsion and automation systems. The partnership will help MDL align with the Navy’s operational and technical standards. There is also consideration that the LPDs may feature a longer or continuous flight deck, allowing them to operate multiple helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The companies are expected to focus on increasing the use of Indian-made equipment and systems, particularly in propulsion, communication, and control technologies.

The new LPDs will enhance the Navy’s ability to deploy personnel and equipment quickly and support maritime operations across the Indian Ocean region. They will provide additional capacity for logistical support, command operations, and amphibious missions. This partnership between MDL and Swan Defence also represents a growing collaboration between public and private shipbuilders in India’s defense sector.

As the project moves forward, the MDL–Swan Defence team will focus on finalizing the design and preparing for potential construction once the Navy awards the contract. The first ship could be delivered later this decade, providing the Indian Navy with a modern platform for both defense and disaster-response operations. The agreement is a practical step in India’s effort to build advanced naval platforms domestically and improve its overall shipbuilding capability.