Indian Navy Gears Up for Major Expansion: Target Set for 175 Ships by 2035
In a significant move to enhance maritime strength, the Indian Navy has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan, targeting a fleet of 175 warships by the year 2035. The push for modernization includes proposals for new warships, submarines, and advanced naval platforms—all to be built indigenously as part of India's self-reliance strategy in defence manufacturing.
17 Warships and 9 Submarines in the Pipeline
The Navy is set to induct 17 additional warships and 9 submarines, with these proposals currently under various stages of approval. In parallel, 61 ships and submarines are already under construction in Indian shipyards, reflecting a massive scale-up in naval infrastructure.
₹2.40 Lakh Crore Naval Projects Underway
Two major upcoming projects—Project 17B and Project 75—will form the backbone of this expansion:
Project 17B: This includes 7 state-of-the-art frigates and 2 multi-purpose vessels, with a total cost of ₹70,000 crore.
Project 75-I and Project 75 Add-ons: Under these, 6 next-generation submarines and 3 additional Scorpene-class submarines are planned, with a combined cost of ₹1.06 lakh crore.
Additionally, a separate proposal of ₹36,000 crore has been prepared for building 8 Next Generation Corvettes. Altogether, these projects will cost over ₹2.40 lakh crore, making it one of the largest naval investments in Indian history.
Strategic Need for Fleet Modernization
Speaking on the expansion, Commodore Anil Jai Singh (Retd.), naval veteran and defence analyst, said, "The Navy’s planning is not merely threat-driven but is focused on enhancing long-term capability. The aim is to replace aging warships and bolster overall fleet strength."
Currently, the Indian Navy operates over 130 warships and submarines, which is less than half the strength of the Chinese Navy, which boasts a fleet of 355 ships. This gap has become a matter of strategic concern, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Submarine Fleet and Destroyer Class Concerns
India’s submarine fleet is aging, with only 12 older submarines currently in service. This limits the country’s capabilities in underwater warfare. The need for newer submarines and destroyers is becoming increasingly urgent.
The Navy is also flagging the Delhi-class destroyers, which entered service 25 years ago, as due for replacement. Without new orders, the destroyer fleet could see a significant reduction in numbers over the coming years.
Vision 2035: Self-Reliance and Maritime Dominance
The Indian Navy's Vision 2035 focuses on building a powerful, self-reliant fleet capable of projecting force, securing maritime interests, and maintaining strategic balance in the region. The expansion plan, backed by substantial funding and indigenous shipbuilding, aims to position India as a formidable maritime power.