Edit General Articles

The Indian Navy is set to witness one of its most ambitious commissioning phases in recent history with plans to induct between nine to ten warships by December 2025. This fleet augmentation, driven primarily by domestic shipbuilding programs, will significantly strengthen India's maritime capabilities across multiple operational domains. The commissioning cycle will begin with the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow-Water Craft (ASW-SWC) ‘Arnala’, scheduled for induction on June 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

Arnala is the first in a planned series of sixteen ASW-SWC vessels that are being designed and built through a collaborative effort involving public and private Indian shipbuilders. These vessels are tailored for coastal defence and are equipped for a wide range of anti-submarine warfare operations including underwater surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, and patrols in low-intensity maritime zones. At 77.6 meters in length and displacing more than 1,490 tonnes, Arnala also becomes the largest Indian naval ship to use a diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system, combining power and manoeuvrability for shallow-water missions.

The induction of Arnala will be followed by one or two more vessels in the ASW-SWC class later this year. All these ships feature modern sonar systems, lightweight torpedo launchers, and high-speed propulsion for rapid deployment in littoral waters. Their commissioning marks a key step in enhancing India’s undersea warfare preparedness, especially in light of evolving regional naval dynamics.

In parallel, the Indian Navy is also preparing to induct INS Tamal, a Talwar-class stealth frigate, by the end of June 2025. This ship is part of a four-frigate acquisition agreement, with two frigates constructed overseas and two being built at an Indian shipyard under a technology transfer arrangement. Its sister ship was inducted last year and has since arrived in Indian waters, demonstrating the successful execution of joint construction and delivery timelines.

Further strengthening the fleet, a diving support ship is nearing completion at a domestic shipyard. This vessel will be used for underwater repair operations, submarine rescue tasks, and specialist diving missions. The Navy is also expecting to commission at least one Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate in the same period. Built jointly by major Indian shipyards, these next-generation frigates are equipped with advanced radar, integrated combat systems, vertical launch surface-to-air missiles, and a high degree of automation.

Officials suggest that depending on construction progress, a second Nilgiri-class frigate might also be ready before the end of the year. The Nilgiri-class project is a vital part of the Navy’s surface fleet modernization efforts, blending stealth with multi-role combat capabilities for both offensive and defensive maritime operations.

Also on the list is a large survey vessel expected to be commissioned from another Indian shipyard. This ship will play a crucial role in hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, and coastal zone monitoring—key to both military and civilian maritime applications. The ship’s state-of-the-art navigation and sensor systems will help improve maritime domain awareness and route planning.

The upcoming warship inductions reflect the Navy’s broader goal of becoming a 175-ship force by 2035. The expansion plan aligns closely with India’s maritime doctrine that emphasizes security in the Indian Ocean Region, deterrence against undersea threats, and swift operational readiness in high seas. Each new platform being inducted contributes not only to naval firepower but also to force mobility, sustainability, and resilience.

By relying extensively on domestic shipbuilding capabilities, the Navy is also reinforcing the national strategy of defence self-reliance. Programs like the ASW-SWC and Project 17A demonstrate how indigenous defence manufacturing is maturing, offering vessels that meet modern threat perceptions and mission profiles.

As India steps up its role in regional security and global maritime cooperation, the expansion of its naval fleet signals commitment and capability. From near-shore patrolling and anti-submarine warfare to long-range surface combat and deep-sea exploration, these upcoming vessels are designed to serve a full spectrum of naval missions.

In the second half of 2025, with ten new ships potentially entering service, the Indian Navy will take a considerable leap in operational reach and strategic posture. Each commissioning ceremony will mark not just a milestone in naval planning, but also a reaffirmation of India’s resolve to protect its maritime interests through technology, strategy, and indigenous capability.