Indian Naval Expansion plans

The Indian Navy plans to expand to a fleet of 150 ships in the next 10 to 15 years, with 50 warships now under construction and 100 new vessels in the acquisition pipeline. Our admirals are also engaged in setting up operational turnaround bases, forward-operating bases and naval air enclaves with a view to enhance India's surveillance efforts in the Indian Ocean region.

Plans for accretions to the naval aviation fleet are likewise progressing smoothly. Boeing 737 P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft have begun to be inducted and five additional Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters are being added to the existing fleet of 11 helicopters. Further, the navy's amphibious landing capability has been enhanced considerably by the acquisition of the INS Jalashwa (ex-USS Trenton) and other landing ships, and additional capabilities for amphibious warfare are being rapidly developed.

As a result of these efforts, the Indian Navy is on the cusp of acquiring the capabilities necessary to join key strategic partners such as the US Navy in safeguarding the sea lanes of communication in the northern Indian Ocean and ensuring unfettered freedom of the seas for trade and commerce.