In a significant leap towards maritime modernization and indigenous defense capabilities, the Indian Navy is all set to induct nine to ten warships between June and December 2025. This fleet expansion not only strengthens India’s strategic naval presence but also showcases the Navy’s increasing reliance on self-reliant warship building.
The first in line is INS Arnala, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), scheduled for commissioning on June 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Arnala is the first in a fleet of sixteen ASW-SWC ships designed by the Indian Navy and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership.
Named after the historic Arnala Fort in Vasai, Maharashtra, this vessel is engineered for subsurface surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and low-intensity maritime engagements. At 77.6 meters in length and weighing over 1,490 gross tonnes, Arnala is notably the largest Indian naval ship to use a diesel-engine-waterjet propulsion system—offering enhanced agility in shallow waters.
Officials stated that one or two more ASW-SWC vessels could join the fleet later this year, marking a significant milestone in anti-submarine warfare preparedness.
INS Tamal: New Stealth Guardian from Indo-Russian Ties
Adding to the Navy’s stealth capabilities, INS Tamal, a Talwar-class frigate, is slated for commissioning by the end of June 2025. This vessel is part of a $2.5 billion Indo-Russian agreement inked in 2016. Under the deal, two frigates were constructed in Russia while two are being built at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian technical collaboration.
Tamal’s sister ship, INS Tushil, was commissioned in Russia in December 2024 and reached Indian shores in February 2025. Both ships are designed to strengthen India’s capability in maritime surveillance, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare.
More Inductions on the Horizon
The Navy’s expansion plan includes:
- A Diving Support Vessel being constructed at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, set to enhance deep-sea operations and submarine rescue capabilities.
- At least one Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) frigate, co-developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and GRSE. A second frigate from this class might also be ready before year-end.
- A Large Survey Vessel from GRSE, designed for coastal mapping and maritime reconnaissance.
These additions underline India’s steady progress in defense self-reliance. “We are now nearing full self-sufficiency in warship production,” an official said, highlighting the Navy’s active participation in the IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) process.
Sub-Surface Strength: INS Vagsheer & Project 75I
INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine under Project 75, was commissioned in January 2025. This diesel-electric submarine is equipped to operate silently close to coastlines, using battery power underwater and diesel engines on the surface. With advanced stealth and attack capabilities, it adds formidable strength to India’s underwater arsenal.
Additionally, the Navy is pushing ahead with Project 75I, aimed at building six advanced conventional submarines. Staff evaluations and cost negotiations are currently underway, signaling continued emphasis on underwater warfare.
Air Wing Reinforcement: More Seahawks Arrive
India’s maritime air power is also set for a boost. The Navy will receive two more MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States within a month. Of the 24 ordered, 13 have already been delivered. These multi-role helicopters are essential for anti-submarine warfare, search-and-rescue operations, and special missions.
Vision 2035: Towards a 175-Warship Fleet
These developments are all part of the Navy’s long-term goal to operate a 175-ship fleet by 2035. Officials note that the delivery timeline of new ships has shortened significantly, thanks to enhanced coordination between industry, technology adoption, and indigenous design initiatives.
“The shift is visible—ships that once took over a decade from blueprint to commissioning are now entering service in record time,” a senior Navy officer remarked.
Conclusion
From shallow water combat ships to stealth frigates, submarines to helicopters—the Indian Navy is undergoing a rapid and transformative evolution. With multiple indigenously built vessels entering service in the second half of 2025, India is asserting its maritime prowess while marching towards greater defense autonomy.
This expansion not only bolsters national security but also sends a strong geopolitical message about India’s growing self-reliance in critical defense sectors.
