Indian Navy LHD/LPD Amphibious Ships : Updates & Discussions

[YoungWolf]

Based on the length and displacement figures from the TPCR-25 document, the requirement seems tailor-made for Juan Carlos 1 (highlighted in #128 a couple pages back), or a modified version of it which can support UAV/UCAV ops. Think the Navy prioritises the amphib assault roles with these ships, with drone ops being the secondary capability add-on.

Trieste, though potentially can meet our requirement, is larger and would certainly be more expensive than Juan Carlos 1. I won't rule out an indigenous design by WDB which incorporates IEP. The other potential designs are either not large enough, or exist in paper. For drone ops, I think the Navy can consider GA Mojave if an indigenous alternative doesn't materialise in time (hopefully it doesn't come to that).

While it's too early to comment, I think IN won't complicate things by going for EMALS.

 

[Ankit Kumar]

Then don't have a hanger, a flight deck only LHD.

Or we can go new Italian trieste style which has both hanger and flood able well deck.(~38k tons)
Chinese latest type 076 also has well deck while having an emals.


The rfi Of indian navy, mentioned drone operation.
We don't need dedicated hanger space, but drone operations are planned from flight deck, so a mini emals for better operations doesn't hurt other capabilities, while enhancing aerial capabilities a lot.

The type 076 is bigger than the Russian aircraft carrier. America class is 45k + tons.


While currently we are talking about 27-29k tons.

A full fledged amphibious strike capacity needs a well deck, space for 600-900 troops and space for vehicles for those 600-900 troops in addition to hanger space for troop transport Helicopters.

If we want to use this same platform for aircraft carrier like duties, then problems will start.


I personally do hope that the ships retain the capacity of operating the Mq9b STOL type UCAV. But the focus should be the amphibious support role.

 

[Ashwin]

Now we have a reasonable price estimate. Rs 33,000 cr or $3.75 billion for 4 LHDs. The ANI report was wrong on the number. This is more likely.

 

[Ashwin]

DAC clears proposals, worth about Rs 79,000 crore, to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces​

Posted On: 23 OCT 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, approved various proposals of the Services amounting to a total of about Rs 79,000 crore, during a meeting in South Block, New Delhi on October 23, 2025. For the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Crane. The procurement of NAMIS (Tracked) will enhance the Indian Army’s capability of neutralising enemy’s combat vehicles, bunkers & other field fortifications, whereas GBMES will provide round-the-clock Electronic Intelligence of enemy emitters. The induction of HMVs will significantly improve logistic support to the forces in diverse geographical terrains.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was granted for the procurement of Landing Platform Docks (LPD), 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount. The procurement of LPDs will help the Indian Navy to undertake amphibious operations along with Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The integrated sea capability provided by LPD will also help the Indian Navy to undertake peacekeeping operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief etc. The induction of ALWT, which is indigenously developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, DRDO is capable of targeting conventional, nuclear and midget submarines. The procurement of 30mm NSG will enhance the capability of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to conduct Low Intensity Maritime Operations & anti-piracy roles.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN was accorded for Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and other proposals. The CLRTS/DS has the capability of autonomous take-off, landing, navigating, detecting and delivering payload in the mission area.

 

[Ankit Kumar]

DAC clears proposals, worth about Rs 79,000 crore, to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces​

Posted On: 23 OCT 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, approved various proposals of the Services amounting to a total of about Rs 79,000 crore, during a meeting in South Block, New Delhi on October 23, 2025. For the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Crane. The procurement of NAMIS (Tracked) will enhance the Indian Army’s capability of neutralising enemy’s combat vehicles, bunkers & other field fortifications, whereas GBMES will provide round-the-clock Electronic Intelligence of enemy emitters. The induction of HMVs will significantly improve logistic support to the forces in diverse geographical terrains.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was granted for the procurement of Landing Platform Docks (LPD), 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount. The procurement of LPDs will help the Indian Navy to undertake amphibious operations along with Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The integrated sea capability provided by LPD will also help the Indian Navy to undertake peacekeeping operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief etc. The induction of ALWT, which is indigenously developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, DRDO is capable of targeting conventional, nuclear and midget submarines. The procurement of 30mm NSG will enhance the capability of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to conduct Low Intensity Maritime Operations & anti-piracy roles.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN was accorded for Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and other proposals. The CLRTS/DS has the capability of autonomous take-off, landing, navigating, detecting and delivering payload in the mission area.

Focus

1. We are using the terminology Landing Platform Dock , not Landing Helicopter Dock or Helicopter Carrier.

2. Focus on amphibious operations along with Indian Army and IAF.

3. Peacekeeping, HADR mentioned as secondary roles.


I am happy that there is clarity on what we need. And we are not chasing after the capability of F35B capable ship which can do amphib ops on the side.

 

[Fatalis]

Focus

1. We are using the terminology Landing Platform Dock , not Landing Helicopter Dock or Helicopter Carrier.

2. Focus on amphibious operations along with Indian Army and IAF.

3. Peacekeeping, HADR mentioned as secondary roles.


I am happy that there is clarity on what we need. And we are not chasing after the capability of F35B capable ship which can do amphib ops on the side.

They will be LHDs only.

 

[Ashwin]

Focus

1. We are using the terminology Landing Platform Dock , not Landing Helicopter Dock or Helicopter Carrier.

2. Focus on amphibious operations along with Indian Army and IAF.

3. Peacekeeping, HADR mentioned as secondary roles.


I am happy that there is clarity on what we need. And we are not chasing after the capability of F35B capable ship which can do amphib ops on the side.

They always called it LPD.

 

[Ankit Kumar]

The biggest project to get the “acceptance of necessity” (AoN), which is the first step in the long-winded procurement process, from the Rajnath Singh-led defence acquisitions council (DAC) was for the construction of four large amphibious warfare ships or “landing platform docks (LPDs)” at a cost of Rs 33,000 crore.
The LPDs, each with a displacement of over 20,000-tonne, will be built at an Indian shipyard to be selected after competitive bidding.


Confirmation of cost :- 33,000 crore for 4 vessels.

Cost too low?

 

[Fatalis]

The biggest project to get the “acceptance of necessity” (AoN), which is the first step in the long-winded procurement process, from the Rajnath Singh-led defence acquisitions council (DAC) was for the construction of four large amphibious warfare ships or “landing platform docks (LPDs)” at a cost of Rs 33,000 crore.
The LPDs, each with a displacement of over 20,000-tonne, will be built at an Indian shipyard to be selected after competitive bidding.


Confirmation of cost :- 33,000 crore for 4 vessels.

Cost too low?

Probably 2 vessels.

 

[Ashwin]

The biggest project to get the “acceptance of necessity” (AoN), which is the first step in the long-winded procurement process, from the Rajnath Singh-led defence acquisitions council (DAC) was for the construction of four large amphibious warfare ships or “landing platform docks (LPDs)” at a cost of Rs 33,000 crore.
The LPDs, each with a displacement of over 20,000-tonne, will be built at an Indian shipyard to be selected after competitive bidding.


Confirmation of cost :- 33,000 crore for 4 vessels.

Cost too low?

Thats $930 million for a ship. Sounds reasonable for a mistral or Juan Carlos class. But with customisations it will go up. Still not far off.

 

[Ashwin]

MDL signed a Teaming Agreement with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries to collaborate on the design and construction of Landing Platform Docks for the Indian Navy.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1983108018704396673

https://twitter.com/x/status/1983115751985950842

 

[Ashwin]

From MDL concall:

Last RFP included a requirement for a design partnership with foreign shipyards for operational LPD design. They expect that may not be there for this anticipated RFP as multiple shipyards in India now have the design competency.

 

[marich01]

LPD front from MDL

 

[marich01]

 

[Ashwin]

HD Hyundai Heavy signs MOU for partnership in Indian Navy project​

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., South Korea's leading shipbuilder, said Tuesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL), India's largest state-run shipbuilder, to cooperate on the Indian Navy's landing ship project.

Under the agreement, HD Hyundai Heavy will provide support in project planning, procurement, productivity enhancement, and personnel training for the Indian Navy's Landing Platform Dock (LPD) program, the company said in a press release.

The company said it expects the "strategic partnership" to pave the way for its entry into India's special-purpose vessel market.

India has been accelerating efforts to modernize its armed forces under a 15-year defense modernization plan.

Recently, the government unveiled the Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap 2025 (TPCR 2025), which outlines plans to strengthen maritime capabilities through the development of next-generation destroyers, amphibious assault ships and nuclear propulsion systems.

 

[South block]

 

[marich01]

So about this LPD , these are to be 200m or longer large ships
we got MDL HSL GRSE CSL and LT Kattupally qualified & will bid
none of MDL & GRSE can build ships of this size 200m + (hence partnership with Pipavav/Swan shipyard for both ? ) + both have other orders lined up + GRSE is very well diversified with the 30mm guns (10+7+49 nos NSG confirmed) and RR propulsion units local prod. MDL got subs & likely NGD all sewn up , with GRSE prob too. But NGD not yet firmed up so 3+ yrs away.
CSL got hyundai as partner so high prospect
LT got own expertise
HSL dunno.
We also have the new shipbuilding policy & definitely will be enforced in next budget (ie capacity expansion for commercial shipbuilding of large sized vessels) all the shipyards are doing brownfield expansion for GRSE greenfield new capacity for MDL, huge capex for next 2 years I think.
So likely LPD to go to CSL HSL either split 2+2 or 4 all ?
(assuming LT has the SSN SSBN contracts reserved for + can even work as sub contractor)
The 33k cr cost is a very conservative estimate imo, It will be likely higher, much higher. cc @Fatalis
I assumed a large chunk of the below estimate kitty of 152000cr being aggressively pursued by GRSE on the warship front. But the capacity needed for such large ships, while it may be available by the time of contract signing, not expecting either MDL or GRSE to go for this as aggressively like their priority projects. There was also that Charlie batch being touted as stopgap ?

 

[Speedster1]

So about this LPD , these are to be 200m or longer large ships
we got MDL HSL GRSE CSL and LT Kattupally qualified & will bid
none of MDL & GRSE can build ships of this size 200m + (hence partnership with Pipavav/Swan shipyard for both ? ) + both have other orders lined up + GRSE is very well diversified with the 30mm guns (10+7+49 nos NSG confirmed) and RR propulsion units local prod. MDL got subs & likely NGD all sewn up , with GRSE prob too. But NGD not yet firmed up so 3+ yrs away.
CSL got hyundai as partner so high prospect
LT got own expertise
HSL dunno.
We also have the new shipbuilding policy & definitely will be enforced in next budget (ie capacity expansion for commercial shipbuilding of large sized vessels) all the shipyards are doing brownfield expansion for GRSE greenfield new capacity for MDL, huge capex for next 2 years I think.
So likely LPD to go to CSL HSL either split 2+2 or 4 all ?
(assuming LT has the SSN SSBN contracts reserved for + can even work as sub contractor)
The 33k cr cost is a very conservative estimate imo, It will be likely higher, much higher. cc @Fatalis
I assumed a large chunk of the below estimate kitty of 152000cr being aggressively pursued by GRSE on the warship front. But the capacity needed for such large ships, while it may be available by the time of contract signing, not expecting either MDL or GRSE to go for this as aggressively like their priority projects. There was also that Charlie batch being touted as stopgap ?

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L&T had tied up with Navantia proposing JC-1 for the requirement last time. Imo, it is the closest fit in terms of specs. After having lost P-75I, they might give a last ditch try for the LPD tender.

Hyundai's Dodko and the NG Mistral too will need to be modified quite a bit. An unlikely contender could be Japan's Izumo class. The IN would have had a good look at it during joint exercises like Malabar.

Among PSUs, only CSL has built a big deck till date, though HSL has considerable experience on the commercial side. I don't believe either of them have in-house design expertise though. It'd be interesting to see who they tie up with.

 

[Ashwin]

L&T had tied up with Navantia proposing JC-1 for the requirement last time. Imo, it is the closest fit in terms of specs. After having lost P-75I, they might give a last ditch try for the LPD tender.

Hyundai's Dodko and the NG Mistral too will need to be modified quite a bit. An unlikely contender could be Japan's Izumo class. The IN would have had a good look at it during joint exercises like Malabar.

Among PSUs, only CSL has built a big deck till date, though HSL has considerable experience on the commercial side. I don't believe either of them have in-house design expertise though. It'd be interesting to see who they tie up with.

Design will be indian.

 

[marich01]

L&T had tied up with Navantia proposing JC-1 for the requirement last time. Imo, it is the closest fit in terms of specs. After having lost P-75I, they might give a last ditch try for the LPD tender.

Hyundai's Dodko and the NG Mistral too will need to be modified quite a bit. An unlikely contender could be Japan's Izumo class. The IN would have had a good look at it during joint exercises like Malabar.

Among PSUs, only CSL has built a big deck till date, though HSL has considerable experience on the commercial side. I don't believe either of them have in-house design expertise though. It'd be interesting to see who they tie up with.

Yes agree on most point. My observation for each case was

LT was never going to win any conventional sub deal, no matter how much some fraction within navy wanted or how good the offer was. Yes someday this monopoly of MDL will break but as with the submarine class & origin, it was not to be now with scorpenes getting extended order with aip. They were just placeholder sort of.
This should make the LPD deal a prime target for them, but govt side would have to provide at least 1 big ticket to CSL-HSL lot and the smaller warships L2 portion alone can not sustain those. So both can bid aggressively for this project given the unique nature of this very large ship class, at least CSL should given IAC2 might be further away. CSL already looking into ship repair & commercial ship building opportunity plus exports.

Whatever design is finally chosen be it WDB own or with consultation, it will be heavily customised anyway (hence high overall cost).

We know whom CSL has partnered with so they see this as serious target hopefully. LT in this case can look weak but can be surprising choice who knows. Interesting convergence with the new shipping policy & domestic large shipbuilding momentum about to start so every shipbuilding co in the country is in the process of capacity enhancement. LT just like the Swan shipyard is probably open to sub-contracting which the big 3 are not likely. So that can be interesting.

Pipavav/Swan is looking for foray into defence shipbuilding hence their mou with 2 big psu ie they want the opportunity, but MDL did not seem that serious to me. Might be hedging but lets see. GRSE priority seems like warship deals with NGC L1 done, P17B they also bid aggressively & are shortlisted for the destroyer class ships + waterjet crafts & OPVs are in their basket. All this make their priority lying elsewhere.