The Ministry of Defence has finalised contracts amounting to Rs 53,866.50 crore with two public sector shipbuilders for the development of eight Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) for the Indian Navy. This initiative represents a significant advancement in bolstering India’s indigenous warship construction capabilities. The contracts were signed on November 2, 2026, at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh present at the event.

Under the terms of the agreement, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) will be responsible for constructing five of the corvettes, while Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) will build the remaining three. This project marks a pivotal moment in India’s defence manufacturing landscape, as the corvettes will be designed by the Indian Navy and constructed by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) selected through a competitive bidding process.

Advanced Features of the Next Generation Corvettes

The Next Generation Corvettes will be outfitted with state-of-the-art missiles, weaponry, and sensor systems, enabling them to perform operations across air, surface, and sub-surface domains. Their introduction is anticipated to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, particularly in the protection of maritime trade routes and in executing anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.

In addition to their offensive capabilities, the corvettes will play a crucial role in coastal defence, littoral combat operations, and maritime surveillance missions. This enhancement will allow the Navy to operate effectively in various maritime environments, ensuring a robust presence in strategic waters.

The advanced technology integrated into these warships reflects India’s commitment to modernising its naval fleet and improving its readiness to address contemporary maritime challenges. The corvettes will serve as a vital asset in maintaining national security and maritime interests.

Impact on Employment and Indigenous Shipbuilding

This initiative is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities within India’s domestic shipbuilding sector. The construction of the eight corvettes is projected to create approximately 72 lakh person-days of employment directly in the shipyards. Furthermore, an estimated 460 lakh person-days of employment are anticipated in ancillary industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) over the next decade.

The project aims to foster collaboration among defence public sector undertakings, private shipyards, and Indian industrial partners, thereby strengthening the domestic shipbuilding ecosystem. It is designed to promote the utilisation of Made-in-India materials and equipment, alongside indigenous technologies and expertise, thereby enhancing local participation in defence manufacturing.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy of Aatmanirbharta in defence production and reinforces the commitment to the Make in India initiative. By encouraging local production and reducing reliance on foreign imports, the project aims to bolster India’s self-sufficiency in defence capabilities.

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