India approves Rs 40,000 crore project for next-generation corvettes

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared a project to construct eight next-generation corvettes for the Indian Navy. The deal, valued at over Rs 40,000 crore, will involve contracts with Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited.

These corvettes, weighing approximately 2,000 tons and capable of speeds around 30 nautical miles, will utilize a new in-house Indian Navy design. They are intended for diverse roles, including surveillance, escort operations, deterrence, coastal defense, and search and attack missions. The Navy expects to receive the first vessel by 2030.

In a separate development regarding indigenous auxiliary vessel construction, Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd in Thane launched the first Sullage Barge (Yard 142) and commenced keel laying for the third Sullage Barge (Yard 144) and the first Bottom Opening Dumb Barge (Yard 148). These vessels are designed to assist the Navy with environmental compliance regarding waste disposal.