Ships of the Indian Navy – A Complete Breakdown
1. Aircraft Carriers
Aircraft carriers are the flagships of the fleet and serve as mobile airbases at sea.
INS Vikramaditya
- Type: Modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier (from Russia)
- Displacement: ~45,000 tons
- Aircraft: MiG-29K fighters, Kamov helicopters
- Features: Ski-jump takeoff, STOBAR configuration
- Commissioned: 2013
INS Vikrant (IAC-1)
- India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
- Commissioned: 2022
- Displacement: ~45,000 tons
- Aircraft: MiG-29K, MH-60R helicopters
- Made by: Cochin Shipyard Limited
- Significance: Symbol of India’s naval self-reliance
Future: IAC-2 (INS Vishal) is in conceptual stages and expected to be nuclear-powered.
2. Destroyers
Heavily armed warships for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B)
- Most advanced destroyers in service
- Weapons: BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 SAM, torpedoes
- Stealth: Radar-absorbent design
Kolkata-class (Project 15A)
- Powerful multi-role destroyers
Delhi-class
- Older but upgraded with new weapons and sensors
Each destroyer displaces around 7,400–8,200 tons and forms the spearhead of fleet operations.
3. Frigates
Frigates are versatile, multi-role surface combatants used for escort and patrol.
Shivalik-class (Project 17)
- India’s first stealth frigates
- Weapons: BrahMos, Barak SAM, torpedoes
Talwar-class
- Russian-origin guided missile frigates
Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) (Upcoming)
- New stealth frigates under construction
- Enhanced automation, reduced radar signature
4. Corvettes
Smaller and fast ships, suited for coastal and quick-strike missions.
Kamorta-class (ASW corvettes)
- Indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvettes
- Equipped with torpedoes, rocket launchers
Kora-class / Khukri-class / Veer-class
- Primarily missile corvettes for littoral warfare
India is planning Next-Gen Corvettes with stealth and AI capabilities.
5. Submarines
Submarines are vital for sea-denial, reconnaissance, and strategic deterrence.
Nuclear Submarines
- INS Arihant (SSBN) – India’s first nuclear ballistic missile submarine
- INS Arighat (SSBN) – Under induction
- SSN Program – 6 attack submarines planned under Project 76
Diesel-Electric Submarines
- Kalvari-class (Scorpene) – French-designed, built in India; armed with Exocet missiles
- Sindhughosh-class – Russian Kilo-class subs
- Shishumar-class – German HDW subs
6. Amphibious Warfare Ships
For transporting troops, vehicles, and humanitarian operations.
INS Jalashwa
- Largest amphibious warfare ship (ex-US Navy)
- Can carry helicopters, armored vehicles, and 1000+ troops
Magar-class / Shardul-class
- Landing ship tanks (LSTs) for beach assaults
LCU Mk IV
- Landing craft utility for island and coastal ops (used in Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
7. Patrol Vessels & Fast Attack Crafts
Used for coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, and search and rescue.
Saryu-class OPVs
- Large ocean-going patrol ships with helipads
- Built by Goa Shipyard
Sukanya-class OPVs
- Versatile for EEZ monitoring, anti-piracy operations
Fast Attack Crafts (FACs)
- Veer and Trinkat-class for rapid engagement in littoral zones
8. Auxiliary & Support Ships
Essential for long-range fleet operations and logistics.
- INS Deepak / INS Shakti – Fleet replenishment tankers
- INS Aditya – Logistics support ship
- INS Sandhayak-class – Survey ships
- Hospital Ships / Diving Support Ships / SRVs – Including new Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)
9. Future & Indigenous Initiatives
- Project 18: Future stealth destroyers
- Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 2 (INS Vishal): Concept stage
- Project 75 Alpha: Nuclear attack submarines (SSN)
- Autonomous Vessels: AI-powered unmanned surface and underwater vehicles
- Stealth UAV Carrier Ships (experimental concept)
Conclusion
The Indian Navy has grown into a formidable, blue-water force with strong indigenous capabilities, robust platforms for every naval domain, and a strategic focus on the Indian Ocean Region. With carriers like INS Vikrant, stealth destroyers, and a growing fleet of submarines, India ensures maritime security and power projection across its vast oceanic frontiers
