2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Oct 30, 2026 03:57 PM ISTThe eight next-generation corvettes will complement the Indian Navy's existing four Kamorta-class corvettes. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved an over-Rs 40,000 crore project to build eight next-generation corvettes (NGC) for the Indian Navy, marking a significant addition to its surface combatant fleet. The project would give the Navy a new generation of compact, fast, multirole stealth warships capable of operating across the Indian Ocean Region.The CCS, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is learnt to have approved the project earlier this week. The government expects to sign a contract soon with Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for their construction.CCS approval is a key step in major, big-ticket defence acquisitions before the contract is finalised.The deliveries of the corvettes are expected to begin by 2030. The new-generation warships will be high-speed and agile, with a speed of around 30 knots. The warships are designed around an indigenous design developed in-house by the Navy.Also Read | Hunter of underwater threats, why INS Mangrol holds importance for the NavyA corvette is a relatively small surface combatant, typically smaller than a frigate or destroyer. Modern corvettes, however, perform a range of roles aside from coastal patrolling; they can be equipped with sophisticated radars, electronic warfare suites, anti-ship missiles, air-defence systems and anti-submarine warfare equipment.The NGC programme is intended to create a versatile combat platform that can perform a variety of roles, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, search-and-attack missions, coastal and littoral defence, aside from other deterrence and maritime security operations.Also Read | Navy to lease two new MQ-9B Sea Guardian unmanned aircraft from US firmThe warships will thus bolster the Navy’s anti-surface warfare, ASW and coastal warfare capabilities, provide better and persistent surveillance across the Indian Ocean Region, reduce burden on the larger frontline ships and complement the existing four Kamorta-class corvettes, which are primarily ASW-oriented.Story continues below this adThe original Acceptance of Necessity for the project was granted by the Defence Acquisition Council in June 2022, at an approximate cost of Rs 36,000 crore.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdAmrita Nayak Dutta writes on defence and national security as part of the national bureau of The Ind... Read More AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogIndia Vs New Zealand Live Score, 4th T20I: Axar Patel departs for IND vs NZ in Auckland15 minutes agoIndia News Live Updates, 30 October 2026: Delhi metro timings extended today for Diljit Dosanjh concert21 minutes agoIsrael Election Results 2026 LIVE Updates: Netanyahu rules out Arab party alliance as Israel coalition talks loom28 minutes agoJailer 2 Box Office Collection Day 15 Live Updates: Rajinikanth film sells record 1 cr tickets on BookMyShow, earns Rs 765 cr worldwide36 minutes agoIndia vs Pakistan Highlights, Hong Kong Sixes 2026: PAK thump IND by 4 wickets, Afridi steals show3 hours agoAdvertisement