TL;DR
India’s Cabinet Committee on Security is expected to approve a ₹36,000–₹40,000 crore Project-28A program to build eight Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) for the Indian Navy. The stealth warships will be constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Goa Shipyard Limited, strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding sector and enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
India is preparing to significantly expand its coastal and anti-submarine warfare capabilities with the proposed Project-28A Next Generation Corvette program, a major naval modernization effort aimed at replacing several aging frontline vessels. According to defence sources, the proposal for building eight advanced stealth corvettes is expected to receive approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the coming months.
The new corvettes will be built domestically by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), reflecting the government’s push for defence indigenization under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Once approved, construction could begin around 2026, with the first ships expected to enter service around 2030, forming an important part of the Indian Navy’s future surface fleet.
Designed primarily for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and surface combat operations, the Project-28A ships will incorporate stealth features, advanced sonar systems, and modern missile capabilities such as the BrahMos. The program will also support India’s broader maritime strategy in the Indo-Pacific, where submarine deployments and naval competition have been steadily increasing.
Key Highlights
• Total Project Cost: ₹36,000–₹40,000 crore
• Number of Ships: 8 Next Generation Corvettes
• Shipbuilders: GRSE (Kolkata) and Goa Shipyard Limited (Goa)
• Construction Start: Expected around 2026
• First Delivery: Around 2030
• Primary Role: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Surface Combat
• Missile Capability: Likely BrahMos integration
• Objective: Replace aging Veer, Khukri, and Kora class vessels
What is the Project-28A Next Generation Corvette Program?
Project-28A is the Indian Navy’s upcoming stealth corvette program designed to enhance anti-submarine warfare and coastal defence capabilities. The project follows the earlier Kamorta-class corvette built under Project-28.
The new corvettes will feature:
- Stealth design with low radar cross-section
- Indigenous combat management systems
- Advanced sonar for submarine detection
- Surface-to-surface missile capability
- Network-centric warfare integration
The program also supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing initiative, increasing the share of indigenous components in frontline naval platforms.
What Are the Expected Specifications of Project-28A Corvettes?
Although final specifications may change during detailed design, early naval planning indicates that the ships may include:
- Displacement: ~3,500 tons
- Top Speed: Around 30 knots
- Propulsion: Likely CODAD or CODAG configuration
- Missile Systems: BrahMos anti-ship missiles
- Air Defence: Short-range surface-to-air missile systems
- Sensors: Hull-mounted sonar and towed array sonar
These features will allow the ships to detect and neutralize submarines while also engaging surface targets.
How Does Project-28A Compare With Pakistan’s Babur-Class Corvette?
| Feature | Project-28A (India) | Babur-class (Pakistan) |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 8 Ships | 4 Ships |
| Displacement | ~3,500 Tons | ~3,000 Tons |
| Top Speed | ~30 Knots | ~29 Knots |
| Primary Role | Anti-Submarine & Surface Warfare | Multi-role / Air Defence |
| Missile Capability | BrahMos SSM | Cruise / Anti-ship missiles |
India’s new corvettes are expected to place a stronger emphasis on anti-submarine warfare, reflecting increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region.
Why Does the Indian Navy Need Next Generation Corvettes?
Several existing vessels such as the Veer-class missile boats, Khukri-class corvettes, and Kora-class missile corvettes are approaching the end of their operational life.
Replacing them with new stealth corvettes will help the navy:
- Maintain continuous maritime surveillance
- Counter submarine threats in the Indian Ocean
- Protect strategic sea lanes and trade routes
- Strengthen regional maritime security
The program also aligns with India’s SAGAR doctrine, which focuses on stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Importance in the Indo-Pacific
The Project-28A program comes at a time when naval competition and submarine deployments are increasing across the Indo-Pacific region.
By deploying a new generation of stealth corvettes equipped with advanced sensors and missile systems, the Indian Navy aims to expand its maritime deterrence, strengthen coastal defence, and enhance its ability to operate in contested waters.
FAQ
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Why does the Indian Navy need Project-28A corvettes?
They will replace aging vessels that are more than three decades old and improve the navy’s ability to detect submarines and defend maritime routes.
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When will the Project-28A ships enter service?
Construction is expected to begin around 2026, with the first ship likely to be delivered by 2030.
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Which shipyards will build the corvettes?
The vessels will be built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
