Indian Navy to Build 4 Advanced Landing Platform Docks, Doubling Maritime Strength

The Indian Navy is set to take a major leap in maritime capability with the planned construction of four state-of-the-art Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), at an estimated cost of ₹80,000 crore. This will be the country’s largest surface warship construction project, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s naval dominance.

Tender to be Issued Soon

According to defense sources, the Ministry of Defense will soon issue a tender for the project, which will be built entirely in India. Leading Indian shipbuilders such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) will play key roles, with technical collaboration from top global companies in Spain, France, and Italy.

Capabilities of the New Warships

These LPDs, also referred to as “floating bases,” will serve multiple purposes:

• Deployment of troops and military vehicles

• Launch and control of naval drones

• Air defense and long-range missile strikes

• Large-scale command-and-control operations
  In addition to combat missions, they will be vital in disaster relief and humanitarian operations.

Countering China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean

The move comes amid increasing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where China frequently deploys surveillance ships and submarines, and deepens its foothold through ports in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Pakistan, too, continues to expand its naval fleet with Chinese support.

Equipped with air defense systems, anti-ship missiles, and drone swarms, the new LPDs will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct long-range and joint operations with the Army and Air Force.

Strategic Significance

This project is seen not just as a boost to India’s naval power but as a direct strategic response to challenges posed by China and Pakistan. Once inducted, these LPDs will double the Navy’s amphibious and long-range operational strength, consolidating India’s influence in the Indian Ocean.