Big boost to maritime security: 8 new corvette warships of Navy will be equipped with BrahMos, project worth ₹ 40,000 crore may get approval.

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 4, 2026

The Next Generation Corvette (NGC) project, which will strengthen the maritime warfare capability of the Indian Navy, may soon reach the final stage. This strategic project worth about Rs 40,000 crore is now only awaiting the final approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). After the approval, the Navy will get a fleet of eight state-of-the-art warships, which will further strengthen India’s military presence in the Indian Ocean region.

According to sources, state-run shipbuilding company Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) and may get the contract to build five corvettes. The remaining three warships are likely to be built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Big firepower in small size

These warships, with a displacement of about 3,500 tonnes, are being developed on the “Distributed Lethality” concept. That is, despite being relatively small in size, these ships will be capable of carrying out accurate and lethal attacks over long distances. Their maximum speed will be 32 knots and they will be able to remain continuously deployed at sea for about 30 days without external help.

Deadly attack will be equipped with BrahMos missiles

The NGC’s greatest strength will be its advanced weapon system. Each corvette will be deployed with 8 extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, capable of hitting targets with precision at long ranges.

For protection against air threats, the ships will be fitted with 16 to 32 Vertical Launch Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLS-SR SAM) cells. Apart from this, AK-630 Close-in Weapon System will play an important role in neutralizing close threats like missiles, drones and fighter aircraft.

There will be tremendous capability against submarines also

These warships will be equipped with advanced anti-submarine (ASW) capabilities. Hull-mounted sonar, active towed array sonar and triple-tube torpedo launchers will be installed in them, which will make it easier to identify and attack the enemy hidden under the sea.

Additionally, these warships will also be able to operate multi-role helicopters like HAL Dhruv and Sea King, which will increase their surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities manifold.

State-of-the-art sensor and electronic warfare systems

These new generation corvettes will include ELM-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar, VARUNA ESM, SHAKTI electronic warfare system and advanced target-tracking technology. These systems will play an important role in countering enemy missiles, radar and electronic attacks during the war.

What is the possible timeline?

If CCS gets approval in 2026, construction contracts can be signed with GRSE and GSL in the same year. After this, construction work is likely to begin in 2027 with detailed design and steel cutting.

As per the plan, the first corvette could be launched by 2028-29 and join the Indian Navy by 2031-32. The remaining seven warships can be handed over to the Navy in a phased manner between 2032 and 2036.

India’s strategic edge will become stronger in the Indian Ocean

The next generation corvettes equipped with BrahMos missiles, advanced air defence, modern sensors and powerful anti-submarine capabilities will play an important role in the modernization of the Indian Navy. With their inclusion, India’s maritime security, surveillance capability and strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region will be stronger than ever.

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