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 SoonAccording 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)
These LPDs, also referred to as “floating bases,” will serve multiple purposes:
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Deployment of troops and military vehicles
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Launch and control of naval drones
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Air defense and long-range missile strikes
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Large-scale command-and-control operations
In addition to combat missions, they will be vital in disaster relief and humanitarian operations.
The move comes amid increasing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
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.
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.