The Indian Navy has been accorded Acceptance of Necessity approvals worth ₹2.41 trillion for 78 upcoming platforms and 120 fast interceptor craft, complementing 42 naval platforms already on order. Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar announced the procurement figures on Monday in New Delhi, detailing major platform acquisitions and technological integration strategies ahead of the upcoming Swavlamban 2026 seminar.
Procurement Allocation and Timelines
- Capital Allocation: ₹2.41 trillion approved via Acceptance of Necessity for 78 platforms and 120 fast interceptor craft.
- Active Orders: 42 naval platforms currently under construction and scheduled for future delivery.
- Immediate Tender Milestones: Requests for proposal issued within the past fortnight for four landing platform docks and next-generation frigates.
Accelerating Indigenous Amphibious Capabilities
The acquisition process for four landing platform docks is advancing with the release of competitive requests for proposal to qualified domestic shipyards last week. These amphibious warships are designed to transport troops, heavy vehicles, and military equipment across maritime boundaries. The navy also issued a request for proposal for next-generation frigates a couple of weeks ago, with responses currently awaited from shortlisted builders.
Vice Admiral Kochhar noted that the force is pursuing development across air, sea, underwater, cyber, space, and asymmetric operations. This capability-centric approach follows a formalized Maritime Capability Perspective Plan designed to integrate advanced technology rapidly.
| Platform / Project Category | Current Status | Technological Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Landing Platform Docks (4 Units) | RFP issued to shortlisted shipyards | Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) |
| Next-Generation Frigates | RFP issued, responses awaited | Multi-domain networked operations |
| Indigenous Marine Engines | ‘Make’ category programs active | 24-28 megawatt marine gas turbine development |
Propulsion Technology Partnerships and Innovation Frameworks
To power these major acquisitions, the navy has initiated development programs under the ‘Make’ category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure to build an indigenous diesel engine. Acceptance of Necessity approvals have also been secured for a 24 to 28 megawatt marine gas turbine, alongside associated gas turbine generators. Furthermore, government approvals and memorandums of understanding have been finalized to introduce electric propulsion systems.
Integrated full electric propulsion technology is slated for development through an inter-governmental agreement with the United Kingdom. Under this architecture, marine gas turbines and diesel generators produce electricity that simultaneously drives propulsion motors, combat systems, and shipboard life support. The broader indigenization push centers on Swavlamban 2026, the navy’s flagship innovation seminar scheduled for October 26 and 27 in New Delhi.
Engagement metrics for the initiative show expansion, with more than 4,000 proposals submitted by Indian innovators through the Innovation for Defence Excellence framework. Approximately 150 micro, small, and medium enterprises and start-ups are participating in projects that have secured Acceptance of Necessity valuations exceeding ₹3,500 crore, alongside concluded contracts worth over ₹1,900 crore.
