The Indian Navy is preparing to issue a tender for the construction of four advanced Landing Platform Docks (LPDs).
Valued at around ₹80,000 crore, this project marks one of the largest investments in surface warship production in India’s history. It reflects a strategic push to modernize amphibious warfare capabilities amid a shifting security environment in the Indian Ocean region.
The Defence Ministry is expected to review the proposal in an upcoming high-level meeting, with the tender likely to be released in the next few weeks. This initiative also aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, ensuring that the entire construction process remains in domestic hands.
Leading Indian shipbuilders—Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)—are the frontrunners for the contract. To integrate cutting-edge technology, these companies are expected to collaborate with international naval design firms such as Spain’s Navantia, France’s Naval Group, and Italy’s Fincantieri. This approach is intended to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen India’s domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Often called “floating bases,” LPDs are versatile amphibious assault ships capable of supporting a wide range of military operations. The next-generation vessels will do far more than transport troops and vehicles. They are designed as mobile command centers for extended coastal missions, reducing reliance on land-based infrastructure.
A standout feature is their ability to launch and operate fixed-wing naval drones, effectively turning the ships into airborne drone carriers for both surveillance and combat missions. Defence officials confirm the LPDs will carry sophisticated defensive and offensive systems, including advanced air-defense networks, long-range anti-ship missiles, and drone swarms for precision strikes.
This combination of capabilities makes the ships highly adaptable for rapid troop deployment, contingency operations in distant regions, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
The Navy’s plan for these amphibious assets has been in the works for years, with a formal Request for Information (RFI) first issued in 2021. The detailed planning underscores a strategic need to enhance India’s expeditionary warfare capabilities, particularly as a counter to China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
Once operational, these LPDs will significantly improve joint operations with the Indian Army and Air Force, enabling faster, more decisive responses across a range of crises.
Beyond defense, the project is expected to boost India’s domestic industry. The ₹80,000 crore investment will create thousands of jobs, drive R&D in areas like drone integration, and strengthen India’s position as a self-reliant naval power on the global stage.
