The Indian Navy has taken delivery of multiple domestically built vessels, marking key shipbuilding milestones and underscoring its push for defense self-reliance.
The handovers include platforms from the Mahe- and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC) programs, the Nilgiri-class guided missile frigate program, and the Sandhayak-class survey vessel initiative.
Milestones also include the commissioning of an additional Nilgiri-class frigate and the inauguration of the lead platform under the Shachi-class offshore patrol vessel program.
Anti-Submarine Corvettes
Under the ASW SWC program, the navy received INS Malwan (P81), the second corvette built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi as part of the Mahe class.
Simultaneously in Kolkata, GRSE delivered INS Agray (P36), the fifth hull of the Arnala line.
The 78-meter (256-foot) combatants support underwater surveillance, coastal ASW operations, mine warfare, and low-intensity missions.
Powered by waterjets, they are equipped with lightweight torpedoes, rocket launchers, mines, naval guns, and shallow-water sonar to counter both surface and subsurface threats.
Construction of the ASW SWCs began in 2020, with a target of up to 16 ships before 2030.
Frigate Developments
The navy also welcomed INS Dunagiri (F36), the fifth vessel in the Nilgiri-class guided missile frigate program, in Kolkata. Built by GRSE, its construction time was reduced to 80 months, compared to 93 months for the lead ship.
Separately, the service inducted INS Taragiri (F41), another Nilgiri frigate, in Visakhapatnam.
The 149-meter (489-foot) warships are equipped with advanced weaponry, including BrahMos missiles, heavy guns, and anti-air and anti-submarine systems.
New Delhi launched the Nilgiri-class program in 2015 and plans to acquire seven vessels.
Survey Vessel Completion
In addition to combat vessels, the Indian Navy accepted INS Sanshodhak (J24), completing the four-ship Sandhayak-class survey vessel program aimed at enhancing coastal and deep-water data collection capabilities.
The 110-meter (361-foot) ship conducts hydrographic surveys and gathers oceanographic data using autonomous and remotely operated systems.
Offshore Patrol Vessel Debut
In Goa, Goa Shipyard Limited launched INS Shachi, the first of 11 next-generation offshore patrol vessels.
The class is designed for surveillance, search and rescue, anti-piracy, and humanitarian missions, and will be equipped with naval guns, mines, and short-range air defense systems.
Concept work on the fleet began in 2017 but was approved in 2023 following supply chain adjustments.
To date, India has laid the keels for more than half of the planned vessels, with deliveries expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026.
