Indian Navy to Induct Seven Multirole Next Generation Corvettes From 2023

The Indian Navy begins its preparation to build seven ‘Next Generation Corvettes’ at Indian shipyards that would be capable of offensive surface to surface missile attacks, and anti-submarine warfare operations.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – According to specifications provided by the Indian Navy, the ship will have a range of not less than 4,000 nm, and will be capable of sailing at 27 knots. The India Navy requires all seven corvettes from 2023. The 120 meter long single hull corvettes, or small warships, will have low radar, acoustic, magnetic, visual and infra-red signatures.

“The ship should carry a minimum of 8 surface-to-surface missiles and should be able to engage sea skimming missiles, flying 3-5 m above sea level, up to maximum speed of Mach 3. Active towed array sonar, two light weight torpedo launcher should be fitted to the corvettes,” reads the Navy's document.

The Indian Navy has specified that should be one multi-function surveillance and threat alert radar in the warships for early warning and target identification.

There are presently more than 50 ships and submarines under construction in India. India has already built four anti-submarine warfare corvettes under Project-28, the first of which was handed over to the Indian Navy in 2014. This was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd with 90 percent indigenization.