In a significant development aimed at enhancing its amphibious warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy is gearing up to issue a tender for four large Landing Platform Dock (LPD) warships, with an estimated cost of around ₹80,000 crore. This ambitious project stands as one of the largest initiatives for surface warship construction in the country and is anticipated to gain momentum following a forthcoming review by the Defence Ministry.
Defence officials have indicated that these next-generation amphibious warships are envisioned to function as command and control hubs. They will be equipped to operate fixed-wing naval drones and facilitate sustained operations from sea to shore. Additionally, the vessels are expected to incorporate sophisticated air defence systems, long-range anti-ship missiles, and advanced drone integration to meet both defensive and offensive operational needs.
The Indian Navy has been advocating for the augmentation of its amphibious warfare assets for several years, emphasizing the importance of out-of-area contingency operations and the ability to transport and deploy significant combat forces as necessary. The LPDs will also be crucial during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.
On the domestic front, Indian shipbuilders are set to spearhead this mega-project, with key players such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited emerging as frontrunners. To complement the complex design and integration processes, leading international shipbuilders — including Spain’s Navantia, France’s Naval Group, and Italy’s Fincantieri — are likely to act as technology partners.
The Navy had previously issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the LPD initiative in 2021. The impending tender is expected to emphasize a high degree of indigenisation, aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision while simultaneously leveraging foreign expertise in specialized domains.
Should the project receive the necessary approvals, the ₹80,000 crore initiative is poised to mark a transformative shift in India’s naval power projection capabilities. It will empower the Navy to carry out prolonged maritime operations, enhance amphibious assault readiness, and expand its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
