Naval Procurements & Acquisitions: 02 April 2024

[KSingh]

I’m really struggling to see what the IN’s plan is beyond ~2027, they seem to have written off the late 2020s to the late 2030s

https://x.com/ksingh_1469/status/196086 ... 16819?s=46

Some smaller vessels flowing between ~2027 and ~2035 is about all that can be expected as the PLA(N) is reliably churning out 2-3 DDG. annually and 1-2 SSK and there’s nothing to be done about this now. The seeds of this were sown 3-4 years ago. Issue some RFIs/RFPs, big whoop.

[titash]

7-8 P-17B will come - confirmed by multiple sources

Modular construction means timelines are relatively quick (compared to the P-15/P-15A)

But you should look at the capability augmentation. Each old ship being replaced with a P-17A/P-17B/NGC/NGMV bring a quantum leap in firepower and self-defense capabilities

By 2030 the IN will have 37 frigate+ sized ships
----------------------------------------------------------
3 Kolkata
4 Vishakhapatnam
3 Shivalik
7 Nilgiri
4 VLS Talwar
6 Talwar (3 upgraded)
3 Delhi (3 upgraded)
3 Brahmaputra (3 upgraded)
4 Kamorta

Don't forget there are 4 Saryu + 11 NGOPV + (even some Sukanyas may be retained) for long range patrolling to offload the main battle fleet (engine hours can be conserved)

[S_Madhukar]

I guess with Trump tantrums may be IN will be defensive only. No SCS armada plans this decade. QUAD might be kept alive for intel sharing only

[SBajwa]

If we cannot have full fledged Aircraft carriers., could something like a Drone Aircraft Carrier work? They are smaller and cost less.

Check this out.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/c ... -carriers/

Have couple of these.

[Rakesh]

...

Drones are coming aboard INS Vikrant and will also be featured on the next aircraft carrier (whenever that materializes!)

Am not sure about the timelines, but it is in the pipeline.

[Manish_P]

If we cannot have full fledged Aircraft carriers., could something like a Drone Aircraft Carrier work? They are smaller and cost less.

Check this out.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/c ... -carriers/

Have couple of these.

A bit confused.

The article is about operating drones from the existing carriers and the challenges therein.

Large non-folding wing span (especially for high and long endurance) UAVs, their lesser thrust engines making short take off challenging, lesser payload capacity etc

[uddu]

Nothing substantial other than the EMALS AC. Every other acquisition is known and ongoing. Army seems to have decided where they want to be in the Next 15 years.

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1963920335398445169 --> The MoD has released the Technology Perspective and Capability Road Map 2025. The plan includes one more aircraft carrier and two EMALS for the Navy. If anything happens on time, it will be a miracle.

[Rakesh]

Great thread on upcoming Indian Navy programs.

https://x.com/Tsukuyomi2170/status/1963882229563560136 ---> Indian Navy TPCR (Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap) 2025.

[Rakesh]

Composite Doors, Hatches For Indian Navy Ships: GRSE-Merlinhawk Pact To Boost Indigenous Naval Shipbuilding
https://rnamedia.in/defence-industry/co ... lding/8360
05 Sept 2025

GRSE inks pact with Merlinhawk Aerospace for naval ship composite doors
https://manufacturing.economictimes.ind ... /123717613
05 Sept 2025

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/thegeo_sync/status/1963947713231499600 ---> Project 17B: India’s ₹70,000 Crore Plan for Advanced Frigates:-

The Indian Navy is set to strengthen its naval power with Project 17B, aiming to build seven next-generation stealth frigates at an estimated cost of ₹70,000 crore. These warships will be among the most advanced ever constructed in India, featuring indigenous weapon systems, BrahMos missiles, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and advanced electronic warfare systems.

Construction Split:
•Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL): 4 ships
•Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE): 3 ships

Capabilities:
•High indigenous content for strategic self-reliance
•State-of-the-art fire control and surveillance systems
•Enhanced anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare capabilities

Timeline:
•Request for Proposal (RFP) expected by end of 2025
•Project aligns with India’s strategy to modernize its navy and secure the Indian Ocean region

This ambitious plan marks a significant step in India’s journey toward advanced maritime defense capabilities.

[SRajesh]

^^what Engine Admiral sir??
Ukr is destroyed
Trump has turned 180
Will these also be held hostage to US whims and fancies??

[Rakesh]

^^what Engine Admiral sir??
Ukr is destroyed
Trump has turned 180
Will these also be held hostage to US whims and fancies??

No sir for me please. I am not sure how true the news below is, but it is viral on Twitter. So FWIW. There is also a JV with Rolls Royce for future warships. See tweet below this one.

https://x.com/TheDCIndia/status/1963972893802692654 ---> Russia has proposed supplying the UEC/Saturn M‑90FR marine gas turbine to power Indian Navy warships of Russian lineage — offering a pathway to replace vulnerable Ukrainian Zorya units and mitigate supply‑chain risks. The offer includes potential local assembly and tech transfer, aligning with fleet sustainment for Talwar/Tushil derivatives and future upgrades while India advances indigenous marine GT efforts.



https://x.com/arpitkanodia30/status/1949329380951363903 ---> In terms of propulsion, the NGD (Next Generation Destroyer) is likely to be equipped with two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, providing a combined output of around 50 MW — sufficient to support an Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1964892597023015370 ---> India steadily steaming ahead to have a stronger & networked #BlueWaterNavy with over 200 warships and submarines by 2035 to protect its vast maritime interests and tackle the fast-expanding collusive threat from China and Pakistan on the high seas after the land borders.

[SRajesh]

Rakesh
Will we stop license building of LM2500 then!!
They were used in our earlier ships weren't they!!
Are going to have both lines:
IEP and Gas turbine powered vessels then.
Did anyting good come out of Kaveri- derivated Marine engine??

[gakakkad]

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage ... ID=2164828

LAUNCH OF ELEVENTH AMMUNITION CUM TORPEDO CUM MISSILE (ACTCM) BARGE, LSAM 25 (YARD 135

The use of the word cum is so funny . Especially in torpedoes and missiles . Like penetration cum blast warhead

[Rakesh]

Tata Delivers India’s First Indigenous 3D Naval Surveillance Radar
https://bharatshakti.in/tata-delivers-i ... nce-radar/
11 Sept 2025

[uddu]

No new information. Even on asked about AIP integration, what's said is we will complete the project on time without specifying the time.
Mazagon Dock: New Dry Dock To Double Shipbuilding Capacity? Ruchir Agarwal On Growth | Business
Ruchir Agarwal, Director of Finance at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, discussed the Rs 70,000 crore Indo-German submarine deal under Project 75 India, with negotiations ongoing. A Rs 1,990 crore DRDO AIP system order won’t impact timelines. The order book stands at Rs 29,918 crore, targeting 10-15% margins by FY26.

[Rakesh]

How India aims to build a blue-water Navy of 200+ ships capable of reaching any corner of the globe
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 863848.cms
13 Sept 2025

[Rakesh]

Why Is India Still Short of Submarines: Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahendru (retd)

India built the Arihant nuclear submarine in secrecy, proving its world-class capability. Yet our conventional submarine fleet lags behind—why? Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahendru (Retd) reveals how organisational focus, not technical limits, makes the difference. From China’s massive naval expansion to India’s own missed opportunities, this conversation on the Sandeep Unnithan Show examines the choices before India. Should we import, build, or do both? And what lessons does the INS Arihant hold for the future of the Indian Navy?