India signs $5.6 billion deal for eight next-generation corvettes

India’s defense ministry has signed contracts totaling more than INR 538.8 billion ($5.6 billion) with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). The agreement covers the construction of eight next-generation corvettes for the Indian Navy.

The procurement aims to replace aging surface combatants, such as legacy Khukri-class and Kora-class vessels. According to data from GlobalData, approximately 64.7% of India’s current corvette fleet is 20 years old or older, with 41.2% of the fleet exceeding 30 years of age.

Analysts suggest the primary goal of the new vessels is to maintain fleet numbers and operational availability, as older ships require more frequent maintenance. The initiative comes amid concerns regarding China’s sustained naval and research-vessel presence in the Indian Ocean region.