TL;DR : The Indian Navy plans to grow its fleet to over 200 warships and submarines by 2035, and around 230 by 2037. This is part of a long-term strategy to boost maritime security, counter threats from China and Pakistan, and build a strong, self-reliant naval force using Indian-made ships.
🛠️ Expansion Plan and Targets
- The Indian Navy aims to expand to 200+ frontline warships and submarines by 2035, and around 230 vessels by 2037, up from the current 140-145.
- As of October 2025, around 55 vessels are under construction, and 74 more have been approved, totaling 129 ships in the pipeline.
- The expansion is part of the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
âš“ Focus Areas
- Aircraft Carriers: INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya are in service; a third carrier is planned by 2027.
- Destroyers & Frigates: Next-generation stealth ships under Projects 15B and 17A to enhance strike and air defense.
- Submarines: Expansion includes Kalvari-class diesel-electric subs with air-independent propulsion (AIP) and nuclear-powered submarines like INS Arihant and INS Arighat.
- Support Ships: Focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes, mine countermeasure vessels, and fleet tankers.
📡 Technology and Operations
- Goal to build a fully networked naval force with satellite communications, unmanned platforms, real-time data fusion, and long-range patrol aircraft.
- Emphasis on maritime domain awareness (MDA) and interoperability across sea, air, and cyber domains.
🏗️ Indigenous Shipbuilding and Economic Impact
- Over 90% of new vessels are being built in India at Mazagon Dock, Cochin Shipyard, GRSE, Goa Shipyard, and others.
- The shipbuilding plan is expected to boost employment, develop technical skills, and support multiple Indian industries (steel, electronics, software, propulsion systems).
- The Navy's expansion is designed to reduce foreign dependence and create a potential defense export base.
🌍 Strategic and Geopolitical Context
- Expansion addresses rising maritime threats from China’s expanding naval presence and Pakistan’s modernizing submarine fleet, supported by Beijing.
- Protects critical sea lanes like the Malacca Strait and Persian Gulf, through which 90% of India’s trade volume flows.
- Supports India’s Indo-Pacific strategy and enhances role in partnerships like the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia).
đź“… Source and Confirmation
- Figures confirmed in Indian Navy briefings and media reports from September-October 2025, including The Hindu, Jane’s Defence Weekly, and Times of India.
- Official statements from the Ministry of Defence and Indian Navy annual report (2025) verify plans and shipbuilding numbers.