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Indian Navy Expansion: 200 Warships by 2035, Aiming for Maritime Supremacy
India is undergoing a massive transformation in its naval strength to counter emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific. With 55 warships under construction and ambitious plans for more, the Indian Navy has set its sights on building a 200-ship fleet by 2035. This expansion is not only about numbers but also about modernization, indigenization, and global maritime presence.
Why India is Expanding its Navy
The push for a stronger navy comes against the backdrop of:
- China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Pakistan’s modernization drive, including new submarines and warships.
- India’s ambition to become a blue-water navy, capable of projecting power across oceans.
- The need to safeguard sea lanes of communication (SLOCs), critical for trade and energy imports.
Current Fleet vs. Future Vision
| Category | Current (2025) | Under Construction | Target (2035) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Warships | ~140 | 55 | 200+ |
| Submarines | 19 (2 nuclear) | 6 new planned | 24–30 |
| Aircraft Carriers | 2 | 1 more in talks | 3–4 |
| Destroyers | 10+ | Project 18 & NGD | 20+ |
| Frigates | 13+ | INS Udaygiri, Himgiri | 20+ |
| Corvettes & FACs | 20+ | 31 new NWJFAC | 50+ |
Major Warships and Projects in Pipeline
| Vessel / Project | Highlights |
|---|---|
| INS Tamal (2025) | Russian-built stealth frigate with BrahMos missiles. |
| INS Udaygiri & Himgiri | Indigenously built stealth frigates; showcase Make in India success. |
| Project 18 Destroyers | 13,000-ton behemoths with 144 missiles, advanced radars, fully indigenous. |
| AIP Submarines (6) | Air-Independent Propulsion tech for greater stealth and endurance. |
| Nuclear Submarines (SSN) | 2 approved; part of 6 planned nuclear-powered attack submarines. |
| Samarthak-class MPVs | Multi-role vessels by L&T for logistics and support. |
| INS Nistar (2025) | Diving Support Vessel built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. |
| 31 Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFAC) | For coastal defense, anti-piracy, and swarm tactics. |
Indigenous Push: Building Atmanirbhar Navy
India’s Navy is leading the charge in defense indigenization:
- Over 70% of new platforms are designed and built domestically.
- INS Udaygiri became the 100th ship designed by India’s Warship Design Bureau.
- Indian shipyards like Mazagon Dock, Cochin Shipyard, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders are playing a key role.
- Partnerships with global players (Germany’s ThyssenKrupp for submarines) bring advanced technology while boosting local manufacturing.
Strategic Importance of 200-Warship Navy
- Counter China: Presence in the Indian Ocean will deter Chinese patrols and bases near Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Gwadar.
- Check Pakistan: A stronger fleet ensures dominance in the Arabian Sea.
- Global Presence: By 2035, India will be able to deploy naval task forces far beyond its shores.
- Economic Security: Over 90% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value moves via sea. Protecting these routes is non-negotiable.
Challenges in Achieving the Goal
- High Costs: Warship construction demands lakhs of crores in capital.
- Skilled Manpower: Need for more trained sailors, engineers, and officers.
- Technology Gaps: India still imports some sensors, propulsion systems, and weapons.
- Timeline Risks: Large projects like nuclear submarines can face delays.
Final Word
The Indian Navy’s journey from a 140-ship force in 2025 to a 200+ ship fleet by 2035 is not just about numbers—it is about capability, deterrence, and global power projection. With stealth destroyers, nuclear submarines, and indigenous warship designs, India is on the path to becoming a true blue-water navy capable of shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.