In a major step towards bolstering its maritime strength and strategic autonomy, the Indian Navy is set to launch a tender for the construction of four advanced Landing Platform Docks (LPDs).
This landmark project, valued at approximately ₹80,000 crore, represents one of the most significant investments in surface warship manufacturing in India's history and highlights a commitment to modernising amphibious warfare capabilities in response to the changing security landscape in the Indian Ocean Region.
The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the Defence Ministry in a high-level meeting soon, with the tender likely to be released in the following weeks. This initiative is a cornerstone of the government's ‘Make in India’ policy, ensuring that the entire construction process is handled by domestic firms.
Prominent Indian shipbuilders, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), are the primary contenders for this massive contract.
To integrate world-class technology, these companies are expected to partner with international design experts from firms such as Spain’s Navantia, France’s Naval Group, and Italy’s Fincantieri.
This collaborative model aims to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen India's local defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Often described as "floating bases," LPDs are multi-purpose amphibious assault ships designed for a wide range of modern military operations.
These next-generation warships will be equipped to do more than just transport troops and vehicles. They will be engineered to serve as mobile command and control centres for extended coastal operations, reducing dependency on land-based infrastructure.
A key feature of their design is the capacity to launch and operate fixed-wing naval drones, effectively turning them into airborne drone carriers for surveillance and attack missions.
According to defence officials, the LPDs will be armed with sophisticated defensive and offensive systems. This includes comprehensive air defence systems to neutralize aerial threats, long-range anti-ship missiles, and the ability to deploy drone swarms for precision attacks.
This dual capability makes them highly versatile for various missions, including rapid force deployment, contingency operations in distant areas, and crucial humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts.
The Indian Navy's plan to acquire these powerful amphibious assets has been in development for several years, with a formal Request for Information (RFI) first issued in 2021.
The meticulous planning reflects a strategic imperative to enhance India's expeditionary warfare capabilities, particularly as a counterbalance to the growing naval presence of China in the Indian Ocean.
The integration of these LPDs will significantly improve the Navy's ability to conduct joint operations with the Indian Army and Air Force, enabling a swift and decisive response to a spectrum of potential crises.
This massive project is anticipated to be a major catalyst for India's defence industry.
The ₹80,000 crore investment is projected to create thousands of jobs, drive research and development in advanced fields like drone integration, and elevate India's position as a formidable naval power and a self-reliant defence manufacturer on the global stage.
