The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared a Rs 40,000 crore procurement project for eight Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) for the Indian Navy, marking a significant step towards strengthening India's maritime defence capabilities.

The approval covers the construction of eight advanced warships, with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) expected to sign the contracts shortly. The first vessel is targeted for delivery by 2030.

The Next Generation Corvette programme is expected to enhance the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, particularly in coastal and maritime security operations. The new vessels are expected to incorporate advanced combat systems, surveillance capabilities and modern naval technologies to address evolving maritime security requirements.

The project also represents a significant opportunity for India's domestic defence shipbuilding industry. GRSE and Goa Shipyard are expected to play key roles in executing the programme, supporting the government's broader objective of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Rs 40,000 crore investment is expected to generate business opportunities across the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, including shipbuilding, naval electronics, weapons systems, propulsion equipment and other specialised components.

The programme aligns with India's broader efforts to modernise its naval fleet and strengthen its maritime presence amid evolving geopolitical and security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.