Indian Navy's Rapid Expansion: Inducting Indigenous Warships Every 40 Days, Aiming for 200 Vessels by 2035
In an impressive demonstration of India's maritime growth, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi announced that the Indian Navy is incorporating a new domestically produced warship or submarine every 40 days. This pace is among the fastest worldwide and signifies India's commitment to achieving full self-reliance in defense and maritime capabilities.
The Indian Navy currently operates around 145 ships and submarines, with plans to expand its fleet to over 200 vessels by 2035. All of the 52 warships currently under construction are being built in Indian shipyards, showcasing the country's advancing shipbuilding capabilities and industrial development.
Admiral Tripathi emphasized that the Navy's self-reliance extends beyond ship and submarine construction, involving the development of a comprehensive industrial, innovation, and digital ecosystem. This includes indigenous components, secure information networks, semiconductors, and advanced data links. He outlined self-reliance, synergy, and security as the three foundational pillars of India's maritime strength.
The Navy Chief also reiterated the commitment to forming strategic maritime partnerships based on shared principles and objectives, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This initiative seeks to strengthen India's cooperation with the Global South through trust, transparency, and coordinated maritime activities like patrols, surveillance, humanitarian aid, and joint exercises.
Admiral Tripathi highlighted that India's defense production has more than tripled over the last ten years, exceeding ₹1.5 lakh crore, reflecting the nation's growing manufacturing and technological prowess. The focus, he noted, is transitioning from "Make in India" to "Trust in India," indicating global confidence in India's defense manufacturing capabilities.
As the Navy advances its modernization efforts, it aims to not only expand its fleet but also increase indigenous content at the component level, aspiring to become a completely self-reliant maritime force by 2047, which marks India's 100th year of independence.
By accelerating indigenous production, fostering technological advancements, and engaging globally based on principles, the Indian Navy is setting a path toward becoming a powerful and self-sufficient maritime force by the mid-21st century.
