In preparation for one of the biggest surface warship acquisition projects in the nation’s history, the Indian Navy is set to release a long-awaited tender valued at over ₹80,000 crore for the building of four cutting-edge Landing Platform Docks (LPDs).
By acting as mobile command centers that can carry out extended operations ashore, project power deep into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) during emergencies, these amphibious assault vessels will greatly improve India’s expeditionary and out-of-area operational capabilities.
In addition to being equipped to carry troops, heavy armored vehicles, and landing craft, the LPDs will also be set up to handle advanced shore assault operations, fixed-wing naval drones, and helicopters.
It is anticipated that prominent public and private shipyards, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), will compete. The Ministry of Defense is demanding that the “Make in India” framework be used for the majority of the construction.
Global naval behemoths like Navantia (Spain), Naval Group (France), and Fincantieri (Italy) are anticipated to collaborate on design and technology in order to meet state-of-the-art design standards. They will do this by providing established amphibious vessels as baselines, such as France’s Mistral-class or Spain’s Juan Carlos I-class.
In order to combat aerial and marine threats, the Indian Navy sees these ships as multi-role force projection platforms that are outfitted with integrated drone operations, long-range anti-ship missile batteries, and layered air defense systems.
The LPDs will play a crucial role in supporting situations ranging from amphibious assaults and fast island defense to defending sea channels of communication in the larger Indo-Pacific maritime theater. They are capable of performing medical ship operations, command-and-control duties, and serving as important naval unit flagships.
With well decks for amphibious craft deployment, spacious flight decks for multi-helicopter operations, and hangar room for unmanned systems, each ship is anticipated to displace up to 30,000 tons, making them operationally comparable to tiny aircraft carriers.
In terms of strategy, these vessels will enable India to strengthen its maritime superiority and quick reaction time, especially in opposition to China’s naval buildup and the PLA Navy’s increasing expeditionary presence in the Indian Ocean.
In addition to strengthening deterrence, they will offer soft-power leverage in humanitarian outreach initiatives throughout the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. After being approved by the Defense Ministry, this initiative will put India’s shipbuilding industry at the forefront of producing sophisticated warships and increase the Navy’s effectiveness in amphibious and joint operations for many years to come.
