Fleet Expansion Underway

Between June and december 2025, the Indian Navy plans to induct nine to 10 warships, substantially increasing its naval capabilities. The first of thes, the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow-Water Craft (ASW-SWC) Arnala, is scheduled for commissioning on June 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

Officials have emphasized that most of the ships being commissioned are indigenously made, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

ASW-SWC Arnala: A Key Addition

The commissioning of Arnala marks the formal induction of the first of sixteen ASW-SWC ships into the Indian Navy. These vessels are designed and constructed by Garden reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders through a Public-Private partnership.

Named after the historic Arnala Fort in Vasai, Maharashtra, Arnala is equipped for a range of anti-submarine warfare operations, including subsurface surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime tasks.

at 77.6 meters in length and over 1,490 gross tonnes,Arnala is the largest Indian naval warship to be propelled by a diesel-engine-waterjet combination.

INS Tamal and Other Upcoming Inductions

INS Tamal, the second Talwar-class stealth frigate under a 2016 Indo-Russian agreement, is also slated for commissioning by the end of June. This frigate is part of a $2.5 billion deal with Russia, which included the construction of two frigates in Russia and two at Goa shipyard Limited (GSL) with Russian technology transfer. INS Tushil, its sister ship, was commissioned in December 2024 at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard and arrived in India in February 2025.

Other vessels awaiting induction include a diving support ship under construction at Hindustan shipyard Limited; at least one Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) frigate, being built jointly by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and GRSE; and a large survey vessel from GRSE. A second Nilgiri-class frigate may also be commissioned before the end of the year.

self-Reliance and Technological Advancements

An official stated that the Navy is nearing complete self-reliance in warship building, which is reflected in the faster commissioning of ships. The time taken from design to delivery of new ships has come down drastically due to technological advances, indigenisation efforts of the industry and the navy’s direct involvement in the IDDM (indigenously designed, developed and manufactured) process by being a part of the chain, the official said.

INS Vagsheer, the sixth Kalvari-class submarine under Project 75, was commissioned in January 2025. This diesel-electric submarine operates underwater on battery power and on the surface using diesel engines, providing silent patrol capabilities close to the coast.

Currently, staff evaluation and cost negotiations are underway for Project 75I, which aims to build six advanced conventional attack submarines.

The Navy is also expecting the delivery of two more MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States within the next month. So far, 13 of the 24 ordered helicopters have been delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of commissioning so many warships in a short period?

Commissioning 9-10 warships in a few months significantly boosts the Indian Navy’s capabilities and reflects its growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

What is the role of the ASW-SWC Arnala?

The Arnala is designed for anti-submarine warfare operations, including subsurface surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime tasks.

What is Project 75I?

Project 75I aims to build six advanced conventional attack submarines, further enhancing the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. Staff evaluation and cost negotiations are currently underway.

How many MH-60R Seahawk helicopters has India ordered from the United States?

india has ordered 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States, with 13 already delivered and two more expected within the next month.

What is the Indian navy’s goal for fleet size by 2035?

The Indian Navy aims to operate a 175-ship fleet by 2035, enhancing its maritime presence and security capabilities.