Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Partners with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for Indian Navy's Landing Platform Docks

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) announced on Tuesday, October 28, the signing of an exclusive Teaming Agreement with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL). The collaboration, formalized during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, focuses on the design and construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) specifically for the Indian Navy.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently greenlit the acquisition of LPDs, which are crucial for the Indian Navy's operations. These vessels are vital for power projection, conducting amphibious assaults, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.

Under the agreement, MDL will contribute its expertise in ship design, project management, and system integration. SDHI will provide its extensive shipbuilding infrastructure, stated to be the largest in India. This partnership seeks to combine the technical, financial, and operational capabilities of both entities to offer an optimal solution for the Indian Navy's requirements.

This initiative aligns with the Indian government's vision for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in defense manufacturing. By integrating private sector efficiency and flexibility with the established capabilities of a public sector enterprise, the goal is to expedite construction timelines, improve quality, and achieve cost-effectiveness in building these complex naval platforms.

Vivek Merchant, Director at SDHI, expressed excitement, stating the aim is to deliver technologically advanced, globally competitive platforms. Captain Jagmohan, CMD of MDL, highlighted the LPDs' importance for India's maritime power projection and committed to building world-class ships domestically.

**Impact**: This collaboration is significant for India's defense manufacturing sector and its maritime capabilities. The project is expected to enhance the order book and operational capacity of both Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd, potentially boosting investor confidence in these companies and the broader defense industrial complex. It reinforces India's self-reliance goals in defense production. Rating: 7/10.

**Difficult Terms**: * Landing Platform Docks (LPDs): These are amphibious assault ships that carry troops and their equipment, including landing craft and helicopters, to shore. They are key for projecting military power and supporting humanitarian missions. * Amphibious operations: Military actions that involve landing forces from the sea onto enemy territory. * Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Services provided by military or governmental organizations in response to natural disasters or humanitarian crises. * Public–Private Partnership (PPP): A collaboration between a government agency and a private-sector company to provide public services or infrastructure. * Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): The highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for capital procurements, responsible for approving defense deals.