Indian Navy Targets 200 Plus Ships by 2035, INS Anjadip Boosts ASW Capability

The Indian Navy has set an ambitious target to become a 200-plus ship maritime force by 2035 , with plans to induct around 15 additional vessels in 2026 , Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said after commissioning INS Anjadip at Chennai Port on Friday.

He emphasised that the Navy’s long-term vision is to achieve complete self-reliance in shipbuilding at the component level and evolve into a fully Aatmanirbhar force by 2047 . He noted that all 50 ships currently on order are being built in Indian shipyards, reflecting progress from “Make in India” to “Trust in India” as part of the broader self-reliance initiative.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Admiral Tripathi highlighted that the Navy commissioned 12 warships and one submarine in 2025 , and the momentum continues with plans to induct about 15 more ships in 2026 , marking the highest rate of induction in its history. He underscored the focus on strengthening anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and enhancing operational readiness across both western and eastern seaboards.

The newly inducted INS Anjadip is the fourth of the 16 Shallow Water Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Craft being built. It is equipped with an indigenous combat system, including the hull-mounted sonar Abhay, lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and a modern combat management system. Powered by a high-speed water-jet propulsion system, the 77-metre vessel can reach speeds of up to 25 knots, enabling rapid response in coastal and littoral waters.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers at the L&T Kattupalli shipyard, the ship strengthens capabilities in coastal surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue, and under-sea warfare. Named after Anjadip Island, which holds historical naval significance linked to Operation Chutney in 1961, the vessel symbolises India’s maritime legacy and industrial collaboration.

Admiral Tripathi also noted that amid global maritime challenges such as disruptions in key trade routes, the Navy has ensured safe transit for nearly 400 merchant vessels carrying about 16.5 million metric tonnes of cargo worth over USD 7 billion since October 2023, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding national maritime interests.