The Indian Navy is preparing to issue a tender for four large Landing Platform Dock (LPD) warships, with a projected cost of around Rs 80 billion, to expand its amphibious warfare capabilities. The proposed ships are expected to operate fixed-wing naval drones and serve as command-and-control centres for extended shore operations from the sea.

Defence officials stated that the Ministry of Defence will review the proposal in a high-level meeting, highlighting that this could become one of the largest surface warship projects in India. Indian shipbuilders are expected to lead the project, with participation from major players such as L&T, Mazagon Dockyards, Cochin Shipyard, and Hindustan Shipbuilders Limited.

The Navy has been pursuing enhanced amphibious capabilities for several years. International shipbuilders, including Navantia, Naval Group, and Fincantieri, are expected to act as design partners, with the warships to be fully integrated and built domestically.

A request for information for the LPD project was first issued in 2021. The Navy intends the ships to be fully equipped for air defence, offensive operations with long-range anti-ship missiles, and drone deployment. The vessels will also support out-of-area contingency operations, transporting and deploying large forces, and will be capable of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.