Article Posted on : - Apr 23, 2012

Indian naval vessels.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Aiming to establish itself as a blue water force in real terms, Indian Navy will be inducting more than 90 fighting platforms in another decade, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, which is likely to be commissioned later this year.

"Under the Maritime Perspective Plan (MPP), around 50 of these vessels are in various stages of construction at different shipyards in the country, while the contract for 45 more ships are being processed", Navy's Chief of Material, Vice Admiral G Mahadeven told reporters.

The 45 ships are either in the Request for Proposal (RFI) stage or discussions are going on for their prices with the vendors, he added.

Out of the 50 ships which are in various stages of construction, four are being built by foreign shipyards. It includes INS Vikramaditya which is being constructed at Shevmash shipyard in Russia.

Meanwhile, officials said that INS Vikramaditya is in the last stage of its refitment and will be ready for sea-trials in another one month's time.

Among the three Teg-class frigates which are being constructed, one will be commissioned into the Navy on April 27. Navy is also procuring around 80 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) under the MPP.

For construction of four Landing Platform Decks (LPDs) worth Rs 16,000 crore, RFP has been issued to five Indian shipyards including a private one.

To increase its strategic depth, a number of Counter Mine Ship, Floating Dry Dock, Submarine Attack Crafts, Deep Submersible Vessels are also in the process of negotiations with the vendors and shipyards.