In a monumental step for India's maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy's massive Rs 80,000 crore (approximately $9.1 billion) initiative to procure four amphibious warships has moved into the technical evaluation stage as of April 2026.
Originally envisioned simply as Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), these vessels are now being designed as more advanced Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs).
This evolution marks a significant shift in naval strategy, transforming these ships into versatile "pocket aircraft carriers" that fuse troop transport, aerial dominance, and drone-based warfare capabilities into one cohesive asset.
The Race for the Ultimate Naval Design
The competition to secure this mega-contract features five prominent Indian shipbuilders.To ensure world-class standards, these domestic firms have teamed up with leading international defence contractors to offer specialized designs.
Domestic Contenders:
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
Global Partnerships & Designs:
| Global Defence Firm | Country of Origin | Proposed Warship Design |
|---|---|---|
| Navantia | Spain | Juan Carlos I |
| Naval Group | France | Mistral Class |
| Hanwha | South Korea | Dokdo Class |
| Fincantieri | Italy | Trieste Design |
Currently, the Spanish Navantia design is widely viewed as a frontrunner because of its built-in ski-jump ramp, a feature that perfectly suits the Indian Navy's specific combat needs and future drone integration.
Floating Fortresses: Amphibious Might
Weighing in at a substantial 30,000 to 40,000 tons, each of these future warships will act as a mobile military base at sea.The vessels are engineered to transport an entire army battalion of over 900 soldiers, complete with heavy battle tanks and mechanized armoured vehicles.
To facilitate complex beach landings, the ships will house specialized smaller vessels—specifically, two Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) and two Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP).
This mixed fleet ensures that forces can swiftly and securely storm hostile coastlines during amphibious assaults.
The "Drone Mothership" Revolution
The most revolutionary aspect of this procurement is its heavy emphasis on unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).Aligning with the Navy's advanced 2026 tactical doctrine, these upcoming warships are set to function as drone motherships.
Rather than relying solely on traditional helicopters, the LHDs will serve as command centres for swarms of automated aerial systems, establishing a fully networked hub for unmanned warfare.
The Navy is heavily focused on launching fixed-wing combat drones from these decks, potentially integrating a naval version of the indigenous Ghatak stealth drone or other specialized short take-off and landing (STOL) unmanned aircraft.
Here, the ski-jump ramp proves highly valuable. It allows the ships to launch heavily armed, larger drones efficiently without requiring the installation of expensive and complicated catapult machinery.
At the heart of this futuristic approach is Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
Each LHD will be able to control a networked swarm of 10 to 12 combat drones. These unmanned systems can be sent out ahead of human forces to conduct surveillance, execute electronic warfare, and perform precision strikes.
By clearing the battlefield of threats before manned helicopters like the MH-60R or ground troops arrive, this strategy drastically minimizes casualties and amplifies the Navy's striking power.
Strategic Gap-Fillers and Humanitarian First Responders
On a larger strategic scale, the new LHDs are poised to serve as a crucial stopgap while the Indian Navy awaits the finalization of its third full-sized aircraft carrier (IAC-2).During high-intensity conflicts, these vessels can be positioned as decentralized command stations across the Indian Ocean region.
This setup will free up primary frontline carriers, such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, to concentrate entirely on offensive strike missions.
Beyond their formidable combat potential, these warships are designed for critical peacetime operations. Each vessel will feature a comprehensive Level 3 medical facility equipped with over 60 beds.
This dual-use capability will cement India's position as a premier first responder for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions across the Indo-Pacific, offering crucial support during natural disasters and enhancing the nation's diplomatic leverage in a highly competitive region.
'Make in India': A Monumental Leap in Maritime Defence
This program is a cornerstone of the government's push for self-reliance in the defence sector.By mandating that the vessels be entirely constructed and integrated by domestic shipyards, the initiative will significantly upgrade India's current amphibious capabilities—which currently rely heavily on a single, aging platform, the INS Jalashwa.
Furthermore, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) actively working on indigenous Electro-Magnetic Launch Systems (EMLS) and electric propulsion technologies, the foundations laid by these four LHDs will ensure the Indian Navy remains a dominant, technologically advanced force in the region for decades to come.
