₹33,000 Crore Indian Navy LPD Project

In a landmark move to enhance India’s maritime defence capabilities, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) have partnered under the Indian Navy LPD Project to design and construct advanced Landing Platform Docks (LPDs).

This collaboration marks a major milestone in India’s growing self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative. The Indian Navy LPD Project will significantly boost India’s naval strength and support the goal of a fully indigenous naval shipbuilding ecosystem.

What Are Landing Platform Docks (LPDs)?

Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) are large amphibious warships capable of carrying troops, vehicles, aircraft, and military supplies.

They play a vital role in:

• Amphibious landings and special operations

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions

• Joint and expeditionary operations

• Maritime power projection in distant and hostile environments

For a blue-water navy like India’s, these ships are crucial. The Indian Navy LPD Project will enable the Navy to deploy modern LPD ships for multiple roles, enhancing operational flexibility across the Indo-Pacific region.

Details of the Indian Navy LPD Project

The Indian Navy LPD Project was formalised at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai on 28 October 2025, following approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The DAC cleared the acquisition of multiple LPD ships worth an estimated ₹33,000 crore for the Navy.

Under this major defence ship project:

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a premier naval shipbuilding organisation under the Ministry of Defence, brings decades of experience in building submarines and destroyers.

• Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI), operating the Pipavav Shipyard in Gujarat—India’s largest shipbuilding facility—contributes advanced infrastructure and fabrication capacity.

• Together, they aim to deliver high-quality landing platform docks designed and built entirely in India.

The Mazagon Dock–Swan Defence agreement under the Indian Navy LPD Project is a shining example of public-private partnership in naval shipbuilding, aligning with the national vision of indigenous defence manufacturing.

Strategic Importance of the Indian Navy LPD Project

The Indian Navy LPD Project is not merely a procurement deal—it’s a strategic move to enhance India’s maritime reach and amphibious warfare capabilities. The upcoming LPD ships will serve as floating command centres, capable of launching helicopters, landing craft, and marines during combat or disaster situations.

The project will:

• Strengthen amphibious warfare capability in India

• Enhance naval procurement and fleet modernisation.

• Promote indigenous naval shipbuilding projects

• Support the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative

By advancing the Indian Navy LPD Project, India is preparing for future amphibious operations and ensuring readiness for complex missions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Economic and Industrial Benefits

The Indian Navy LPD Project will generate large-scale employment and economic growth across India’s defence ecosystem.

With an investment of around ₹33,000 crore, it will create jobs for engineers, technicians, and skilled workers. It will also provide opportunities for MSMEs, suppliers, and ancillary industries involved in naval shipbuilding.

The LPD construction in India will strengthen domestic capabilities, foster technology innovation, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of India’s naval shipbuilding plan. The Indian Navy LPD Project is therefore both a defence and an industrial milestone.

Future Prospects

• The success of the Indian Navy LPD Project will pave the way for future collaborations between public and private shipyards.

• As India continues to modernise its navy, such partnerships will be essential for expanding indigenous defence manufacturing.

• The project reflects India’s determination to become a global maritime power, ensuring the Navy remains ready for both defence operations and humanitarian missions.

• With continued progress, the Indian Navy LPD Project will redefine the nation’s maritime strategy and strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian Navy LPD Project is a collaboration between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI).

• Approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, the project is valued at ₹33,000 crore.

• It aims to design and build Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) in India with high indigenisation.

• The project enhances amphibious warfare capability and naval procurement and supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative.

• The Indian Navy LPD Project will also create major employment opportunities and promote public-private partnership in the naval shipbuilding sector.

Final Thoughts

The Indian Navy LPD Project marks a significant leap in India’s maritime defence strength. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) have joined forces to design and build advanced Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) under this ₹33,000 crore initiative.

These amphibious warships will enhance the Navy’s ability to conduct amphibious operations, disaster relief, and strategic missions across the Indo-Pacific. Approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the project supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative and promotes public-private partnership in naval shipbuilding.

The Indian Navy LPD Project not only boosts India’s defence capabilities but also strengthens indigenous naval shipbuilding and industrial growth.