Naval Procurements & Acquisitions: 02 April 2024

[Rakesh]

Minesweepers, Rs 30,000 Cr QR-SAM Deal: Rajnath Sing-Led Top Defence Panel to Review Major Buys on July 1
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mine ... -152156674
26 June 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Rajnath Singh, will convene on July 1 to discuss acquiring new minesweepers for the Navy and QR Sam systems for the Army.

[Rakesh]

In an ageing submarine, an opportunity for the DRDO
https://chakranewz.com/critical-technol ... r-the-drdo
04 July 2025

[Rakesh]

Putin to offer India mega undersea boost
https://chakranewz.com/critical-technol ... rsea-boost
01 July 2025

[Rakesh]

17 warships, nine submarines await approval
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation ... t-approval
06 July 2025

Rs 240K crore projects in the pipeline to bolster Navy’s capability, next-generation frigates to be built indigenously

[maitya]

In an ageing submarine, an opportunity for the DRDO
https://chakranewz.com/critical-technol ... r-the-drdo
04 July 2025

Sandeep Unnithan, as usual, is making too much sense ... so, as a corollary, the MoD baboons will now find out a way not to implement it!!
And most probably the excuse will be funding shortage, again - suits these worthies perfectly, being career bean-counters all along.

[bala]

L&T (Kattupalli Shipyard) has laid the keel of the 3rd Fleet Support Ship (FSS) for the #IndianNavy today.

https://x.com/NewsIADN/status/1942962853570331082

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GvbKVOhW4AA ... name=small

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1948988108231639086 ---> From the Drawing Board to Dominating the Oceans, shaping India's Maritime destiny. The Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau - having delivered the 100th indigenously designed warship, is charging ahead with Next Generation Destroyers, Frigates and Corvettes towards #ViksitBharat2047. Watch the transformational journey of Indigenous Warship Designing and Construction, from Tug Boat and Seaward Defence Boat to the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier... and beyond.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1948988108231639086 ---> From the Drawing Board to Dominating the Oceans, shaping India's Maritime destiny. The Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau - having delivered the 100th indigenously designed warship, is charging ahead with Next Generation Destroyers, Frigates and Corvettes towards #ViksitBharat2047. Watch the transformational journey of Indigenous Warship Designing and Construction, from Tug Boat and Seaward Defence Boat to the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier... and beyond.

In the above video, the Navy has released renderings of the upcoming Project 18 Destroyers. Indian defence fan boys on Twitter have come up with their own renderings, based on the above video.

https://x.com/Raghunandan_05/status/1950108538010784111 ---> PROJECT 18 - Indian Navy's next generation destroyer.





https://x.com/Raghunandan_05/status/1950511695874658573 ---> The Present and the FUTURE.

[uddu]

Indian Next Generation Destroyer (NGD) Project-18



The Next Generation Destroyer (NGD) — also referred to as Project-18 — is being designed with a future-oriented philosophy aimed at ensuring relevance in multi-domain naval warfare well into the 2040s–2060s. While the final design is still under wraps, several key design philosophies and doctrines are already clear from official statements, leaks, and aligned global trends.

Design Philosophy of the NGD (Project-18)
1. Multi-Mission Modularity
Designed as a multi-role platform — anti-air (AAW), anti-submarine (ASW), anti-surface (ASuW), and land-attack.
Internal layout optimized for modular weapons payloads, mission reconfiguration, and sensor upgrades over decades.

2. Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP)
Adopts full-electric propulsion system (like US Zumwalt or UK Type 45):
Allows higher power output for energy weapons (DEWs), radars, and computing.
Quieter for ASW operations.
Supports future scalability to railguns or microwave weapons.

3. Stealth First: Signature Management
Significantly reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS), IR, acoustic, and magnetic signatures:
Flush-mounted VLS (Vertical Launch Systems)
Enclosed masts, angular superstructure, and heat suppression.
Builds on the stealth advances of Project 15B Visakhapatnam class, but takes it further, likely with composites and coatings.

4. Sensor Fusion + Battle Management AI
Uses centralized combat management system (CMS) powered by AI/ML algorithms.
Integrates:
AESA radars (multi-band, panoramic)
Active/passive sonar suites (including VLF/TAS)
EW and cyber situational awareness
Works as a combat cloud node in network-centric warfare.

5. Decentralized & Networked Warfare
Designed to be a command node in India's growing naval net-centric architecture:
Can coordinate UAVs, USVs, UUVs, and satellites.
Collaborates seamlessly with P-8I, MQ-9, GSLV satellite relays, etc.

6. Scalable & Indigenous Architecture
Focus on future-proofing and indigenous tech:
Uses open-architecture systems (plug-and-play)
Accommodates future Indian missiles, UAVs, EW, and railgun systems.
Likely will be the first class to fully integrate DRDO’s hypersonic cruise missiles (e.g., BrahMos-2) when ready.

7. Reduced Crew with Automation
More automation = smaller crew footprint, better survivability.
Greater reliance on automated damage control, self-diagnostics, and remote sensor integration.

[Rakesh]

A Possible Way Out of India’s Submarine Acquisition Conundrum
https://bharatshakti.in/a-possible-way- ... e_vignette
01 August 2025

https://x.com/Aryan_warlord/status/1951541247648112815 ---> Completely agree with @nitingokhale sir here that India needs to operationalize two different SSK production lines to ensure quick production of submarines in India. Will also state an obvious fact here, @MazagonDockLtd still has the old HDW type 209 designs and a substantial part of the TOT, why not work with HHI of South Korea to build a Brahmos type JV that can fill in the gaps & update the design in terms of equipment to create a class of lower end, cheaper, coastal, near-to-shore SSKs that can be deployed in large numbers to secure both peninsular seas. Could be an important stepping stone towards an Oceanic SSK of indigenous design.

https://x.com/Aryan_warlord/status/1951547048257581432 ---> I have earlier suggested the Indian Navy adopt a twin phased model with the "Home fleet " & the "Away fleet" being adopted as loosely structured systems where the:

1) Home Fleet operates all land based systems & craft with operational non refuelled range of less than 3,000 nautical miles & a core directive to patrol the peninsular seas & our EEZ.

2) Away Fleet operating all vessels with longer ranges with a core directive to take the lead in any action beyond our EEZ .

[Manish_P]

.....
https://x.com/Aryan_warlord/status/1951547048257581432 ---> I have earlier suggested the Indian Navy adopt a twin phased model with the "Home fleet " & the "Away fleet" being adopted as loosely structured systems where the:

1) Home Fleet operates all land based systems & craft with operational non refuelled range of less than 3,000 nautical miles & a core directive to patrol the peninsular seas & our EEZ.

2) Away Fleet operating all vessels with longer ranges with a core directive to take the lead in any action beyond our EEZ .

Don't we already have such a model - the Coast Guard and the regular Indian Navy.

Or is the poster proposing separate commands (and all that will entail) for them ?

[Rakesh]

Don't we already have such a model - the Coast Guard and the regular Indian Navy.

Or is the poster proposing separate commands (and all that will entail) for them ?

Home Fleet ---> Brown Water Navy. Partner with the Coast Guard to protect India's EEZ in peace time among other duties (ensuring the sea lanes are safe for trade). During war, the Home Fleet will be used to protect India's coastline. Frigates, Corvettes (i.e. Project 28 Kamorta Class) and SSKs will be major portion of the naval fleet in this setup.

Away Fleet ---> Blue Water Navy. An expeditionary fleet to establish Bridges of Friendship during peace time. During war, the Away Fleet will be used to establish a second front of India's choosing. Destroyers, Missile Cruisers (we do not have any till P18 comes along), Aircraft Carriers and SSNs will be the major portion of the fleet in this setup. Basically a Carrier Battle Group.

The SSBN fleet is a whole separate setup, unto itself. It does not (and should not) come under either of the above. It operates under India's Strategic Forces Command and is one of the three pillars in India's nuclear triad.

[Vayutuvan]

Destroyers, Missile Cruisers (we do not have any till P18 comes along), Aircraft Carriers and SSNs will be the major portion of the fleet in this setup. Basically a Carrier Battle Group.

Since we have two Aircraft carriers, does that mean we are planning to two CBGs? It is hard to imagine both carriers in the same CBG. Too much risk of losing both at the same time, IMHO.

[Rakesh]

Destroyers, Missile Cruisers (we do not have any till P18 comes along), Aircraft Carriers and SSNs will be the major portion of the fleet in this setup. Basically a Carrier Battle Group.

Since we have two Aircraft carriers, does that mean we are planning to CBGs? It is hard to imagine both carriers in the same CBG. Too much risk of losing both at the same time, IMHO.

The original plan is to have three aircraft carriers ---> one on either seaboard and one in reserve/maintenance. So basically on rotation.

We are nowhere near close to that goal.

[Manish_P]

Home Fleet ---> Brown Water Navy...

During war, the Home Fleet will be used to protect India's coastline. Frigates, Corvettes (i.e. Project 28 Kamorta Class) and SSKs will be major portion of the naval fleet in this setup.

Away Fleet ---> Blue Water Navy....

Destroyers, Missile Cruisers (we do not have any till P18 comes along), Aircraft Carriers and SSNs will be the major portion of the fleet in this setup. Basically a Carrier Battle Group.

...

The SSBN fleet is a whole separate setup, unto itself....

Ok. Got it.
(Quite doable without too much beauracracy)

[ramana]

Rakesh, If you find any news of the two frigates to be inducted on August 26 please post. Thank You.

[Rakesh]

Rakesh, If you find any news of the two frigates to be inducted on August 26 please post. Thank You.

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1954899544849940516 ---> On 26 August 2025, the Indian Navy will simultaneously commission two state-of-the-art stealth frigates, Udaygiri (F35) and Himgiri (F34), in Visakhapatnam. This historic event marks a significant milestone in India's naval modernisation, showcasing the nation's capability to design and construct sophisticated warships from multiple shipyards. The frigates, built by @MazagonDockLtd and @OfficialGRSE, represent a generational leap over earlier designs. This achievement underscores #India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and highlights the success of the @makeinindia initiative, generating employment for thousands and supporting over 200 MSMEs.

[neeraj]

If the above pics represents current status then the ships are far from being commisisoned. The superstructure is not even built.

[titash]

These pics are several years old.

Both Himgiri & Udaygiri have sailed to Vizag.

3 P-17A will be commissioned this year in total (Nilgiri, Himgiri, Udaygiri); remaining 4 will be commissioned next year.

[uddu]

If the above pics represents current status then the ships are far from being commissioned. The superstructure is not even built.

it will always be better to go and check what the pic is about before adding a comment, that way, unwanted confusion can be avoided. Looking at those pictures one could make out they are from launch ceremony. Checking the launch dates for the ships will give you date the picture was taken. If you want to see the latest available picture of the ships again google will help or searching x will help.

Image Source: https://x.com/livefist/status/1954454723760701870

[drnayar]

Should be some kind of record !!

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/19 ... 0182951282 ---> The #IndianNavy is developing a 6×6 m shipborne radar for its Next Generation Destroyer, four times larger than the radar on the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, capable of detecting sea-skimming missiles and ASBMs up to 1,000 km.

[Vayutuvan]

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/19 ... 0182951282 ---> The #IndianNavy is developing a 6×6 m shipborne radar for its Next Generation Destroyer, four times larger than the radar on the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, capable of detecting sea-skimming missiles and ASBMs up to 1,000 km.

Dumb question. How do they stop these missiles or do they take evasive action? 1000KM detection range will give enough time to maneuver, I presume? What if the missiles come in in a "staggered in time" manner and covering an arc?

[drnayar]

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/19 ... 0182951282 ---> The #IndianNavy is developing a 6×6 m shipborne radar for its Next Generation Destroyer, four times larger than the radar on the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, capable of detecting sea-skimming missiles and ASBMs up to 1,000 km.

Dumb question. How do they stop these missiles or do they take evasive action? 1000KM detection range will give enough time to maneuver, I presume? What if the missiles come in in a "staggered in time" manner and covering an arc?

i am assuming there would a significant range of track while scan mode and cueing in weapon systems [ SAMs / Guns ]

[Manish_P]

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/19 ... 0182951282 ---> The #IndianNavy is developing a 6×6 m shipborne radar for its Next Generation Destroyer, four times larger than the radar on the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, capable of detecting sea-skimming missiles and ASBMs up to 1,000 km.

I think the detection range will be different for ASBM and sea-skimming, and the 1000 KM detection range is given for ASBMs

Due to the earth's curvature

[Prem Kumar]

Instead of the anemic loadouts, for once, we seem to be thinking big

P-18 will be a beast when it arrives!

The only part I dont like is the slant launchers for hypersonic missiles. Will impact stealth. Hopefully by the time she is commissioned, our VLS will be able to accommodate the hypersonics too. Plus a large laser/DEW weapon

[Rakesh]

Drag & Drop pictures into new window to view in full size.

https://x.com/Manish_K_Jha1/status/1956232761959989505 ---> In a very special edition of SP'Naval Force, I write an exclusive, comprehensive plan for defence R&D in India as I sit down with @DRDO_India Chairman S Kamat. I call Mr Kamat one of the finest scientists in India. Read what a staggering work he monitors, replies to me on spot.

[uddu]

INS Himgiri Construction Journey



The journey of Himgiri reflects #India’s stride in #AatmanirbharBharat. Crafted by Indian hands, powered by #MSMEs, tested at sea — a true symbol of self-reliance. A glimpse into the making of the mighty frigate — built by #GRSE and indigenously designed by #IndianNavy. #MakeInIndia

[uddu]

Udaygiri - Construction Journey

#Udaygiri : Strength from Steel, Power from India

From keel laying to commissioning, Udaygiri embodies ’s journey of self-reliance at sea. Built with indigenous expertise and the strength of MSMEs, she stands as a proud stride in #AatmanirbharBharat. A glimpse into the making of the mighty frigate — the 100th warship indigenously designed by #IndianNavy. #MakeInIndia

[ramana]

Six AIP submarines with Thyssen Krupp and MDL.

https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 823190857/

[Rakesh]

INS Udaygiri — United. Ultimate. Unbeatable

Stealth in design, strength in capability, and spirit in her crew. Astride tradition and technology, a new era begins. Watch the journey of INS Udaygiri.

[srin]

The pipeline of frigates and destroyers is getting dry. P17Bs and P18s are not ordered yet. There are only two each of P17As and upgraded Talwar being built at GSL to look forward to. After that, it is only NGMV to look forward to.

Given our construction times, this doesn’t look good.

[uddu]

INS Udaygiri And INS Himgiri: India's Next-Generation Titans Ready With Double Firepower Boost

The Indian Navy is set to strengthen its maritime dominance with the simultaneous commissioning of two next-generation stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. These advanced warships are among the most sophisticated surface combatants built indigenously under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), marking a significant milestone in India’s naval modernization and self-reliance. Built by two premier shipyards, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, these frigates boast over 75% indigenous content, showcasing India’s cutting-edge ship design and manufacturing capabilities.

INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri each displace over 6,700 tonnes, and feature stealth-enhanced designs with reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures. Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including supersonic BrahMos anti-ship missiles, Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, advanced anti-submarine warfare equipment, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems, these frigates represent a substantial boost in firepower and operational versatility. Powered by an efficient Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, they can cruise at speeds exceeding 28 knots and cover a range of around 5,500 nautical miles, ensuring extended blue-water readiness.

This historic dual induction ceremony, scheduled at Visakhapatnam, symbolizes India’s accelerating defense manufacturing prowess and a leap forward in naval capabilities. With the inclusion of these powerful vessels, the Indian Navy enhances its ability to protect the country’s maritime interests, counter threats, and maintain peace in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region. Don’t miss out on witnessing this incredible step in India’s naval journey stay tuned for exclusive coverage and expert insights.

[uddu]

India Deploys Silent Predator Warship - INS UDAYGIRI

INS Udaygiri is a modern stealth frigate designed in India under Project 17A, a program that aims to make seven advanced warships for the future. The special thing about this frigate is that it has a shape and design that make it harder for enemy radars to spot. That is why people call it a silent predator — it can move quietly but carry a very powerful punch. This warship can fight on three fronts at the same time — it can attack enemy ships on the surface, it can detect and destroy submarines hiding under the water, and it can also protect itself from fighter jets and missiles coming from the air. For that, it carries modern sonar, long-range surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, and powerful guns. It is almost 150 metres long, weighs more than 6,500 tonnes, and sails with over 250 sailors* on board. Its top speed crosses 28 knots, which means it can chase or escape at nearly 50 km per hour in the open sea. For India, this frigate is not just about size or speed. It is about making sure that in the vast Indian Ocean, no enemy submarine or warship can move freely without being tracked.

[uddu]

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1960212193401876890 ---> Indian Navy looking to develop 24-28 MW Marine Gas Turbine engine under make in India.

[Rakesh]

Indian Navy to equip entire fleet with BrahMos supersonic missile by 2030
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/i ... 2025-08-26
26 August 2025

By 2030, the Indian Navy plans to arm all warships with BrahMos, boosting its strike power to over 300 missiles across 20 stealth frigates and 13 destroyers.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1960212193401876890 ---> Indian Navy looking to develop 24-28 MW Marine Gas Turbine engine under make in India.

Atmanirbhar Seas : Indian Navy Kicks Off Indigenous Gas Turbine Program
https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2025/ ... e-program/
26 August 2025

[KSingh]

INS Udaygiri And INS Himgiri: India's Next-Generation Titans Ready With Double Firepower Boost

The Indian Navy is set to strengthen its maritime dominance with the simultaneous commissioning of two next-generation stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. These advanced warships are among the most sophisticated surface combatants built indigenously under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), marking a significant milestone in India’s naval modernization and self-reliance. Built by two premier shipyards, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, these frigates boast over 75% indigenous content, showcasing India’s cutting-edge ship design and manufacturing capabilities.

INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri each displace over 6,700 tonnes, and feature stealth-enhanced designs with reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures. Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including supersonic BrahMos anti-ship missiles, Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, advanced anti-submarine warfare equipment, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems, these frigates represent a substantial boost in firepower and operational versatility. Powered by an efficient Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, they can cruise at speeds exceeding 28 knots and cover a range of around 5,500 nautical miles, ensuring extended blue-water readiness.

This historic dual induction ceremony, scheduled at Visakhapatnam, symbolizes India’s accelerating defense manufacturing prowess and a leap forward in naval capabilities. With the inclusion of these powerful vessels, the Indian Navy enhances its ability to protect the country’s maritime interests, counter threats, and maintain peace in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region. Don’t miss out on witnessing this incredible step in India’s naval journey stay tuned for exclusive coverage and expert insights.

2025 and this day is a high water mark (no pun intended) for the IN and it’s only downhill from here for the foreseeable future.

https://x.com/ksingh_1469/status/196017 ... 95745?s=46

https://x.com/ksingh_1469/status/196040 ... 19546?s=46

A lack of orders in the last 3-4 years and a weird shift to smaller coastal vessels means the IN really doesn’t add much teeth for the next decade

[uddu]

2026 will see the remaining 4 P17As and 2 Talwar class joining the Navy. Around 8 Anti submarine corvettes. Also there will be lot of patrol vessels.
2027-28 onwards the Tankers will start joining. The gap will happen in 28-30. After that Next Gen Corvettes will start joining. Also the U214s if deal is signed on time.

[srin]

The biggest problem is that there are no destroyers in pipeline. The P18s are nowhere close and even then, it seems to be a cruiser. Also, IN only places piece-meal orders.

Given that there are now many more shipyards capable of building warships (in addition to MDL), such as GRSE, CSL, GSL and perhaps L&T Kattupalli, and given the long design and development times, IN now can place large number of orders to multiple shipyards at one go. We should have gone for additional P15 orders.

[uddu]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1960582207866839232
Alpha Defense™
@alpha_defense
Approval in Principle for the development of Indigenous Stabilized Launcher For Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) for the Indian Navy was given on 28th July 2025 under MAKE-II category of DAP-2020.

The minimum order quantity is 40 units.

VSHORADS?