India seeks to buy $2.2 billion warships to meet China challenge

India sought bids for purchase of warships and support vessels for its navy and coast guard as it ramps up security of its maritime border in the Indian Ocean region. The Narendra Modi government on Monday asked seven shipyards to submit proposals for the construction of six missile warships and other smaller vessels worth 150 billion rupees ($2.2 billion), the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The tender includes eight fast patrol vessels, 12 hovercrafts and eight missile-cum-ammunition barges.

The shipbuilders invited include private shipyards Larsen & Toubro Ltd. and Reliance Naval & Engineering Ltd., apart from the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., Goa Shipyard Ltd., Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. and Cochin Shipyard Ltd., people with knowledge of the matter said. They asked not to be identified citing rules.

The tenders are part of Modi’s $250-billion military modernization plan to arm the South Asian nation at a time when it faces threats in its maritime waters from its neighbor China. Beijing has in the past sent its warships to the Indian Ocean region, ostensibly for providing security to its oil tankers.

Shipyards were finalized after consultations with the Navy and the Coast Guard based on their ability to build missile warships, the ministry said in the statement. Financial criteria has also been rationalized to add a larger pool of players, it added.

“In addition to the above, a few more request for proposals for more shipbuilding projects are likely to be issued in the next few months,” the statement said.

On June 20, the defense ministry had issued its first military tender under the second Modi government for building six submarines for the Indian Navy for a cost of 450 billion rupees.

Indian Navy targets a fleet of 200 warships by 2027 but is woefully short with a current strength of 140 warships. The Indian Coast Guard too plans to have 200 vessels by 2022, but is short by 35 ships.

 

 

 

 

Source:- TNN

Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • News

$155M for Artillery: Armenia Signs Another Arms Deal with India

The Indian press, referring to a November 9 statement released by the local Bharat Forge…

2 years ago
  • News

2nd Order For India? After BrahMos, Vietnam May Purchase Indo-Israeli Barak 8 Missile Defense System – Reports

According to recent Israeli media reports, Vietnam is looking to acquire the Indo-Israeli Barak 8…

2 years ago
  • News

Indian defence forces to get emergency powers to acquire critical weapon systems through fast-track route

Seeking to further strengthen operational preparedness, India is likely to allow defence forces to buy…

2 years ago
  • News

We are more than prepared in cyber warfare: A retired Brigadier

As we are celebrating 75 anniversary of India’s independence, we are reminded of the sacrifices…

2 years ago
  • News

IAF to soon get 5th Gen advanced fighter jet AMCA, design revealed

India will soon have a combat aircraft rivalling Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning…

2 years ago
  • News

Indian P 75I submarine plan unrealistic, timelines cannot be met: Russian designers

After pulling out of the contest for new submarines required by the Indian Navy, Russian…

2 years ago