At India Maritime Week 2025, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier defence shipyards and a Navratna company under the Ministry of Defence, entered into an exclusive Teaming Agreement (TA) with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), the nation’s largest private shipbuilding and heavy engineering firm. The collaboration focuses on the joint design and construction of advanced Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy.
The agreement follows the recent approval by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the procurement of LPDs—critical naval assets that will enhance India’s ability to conduct amphibious operations, extend maritime reach, and deliver rapid response during humanitarian and disaster relief missions. These versatile vessels are key to strengthening the Navy’s power projection and operational flexibility in regional and global waters.
As part of this partnership, MDL will contribute its proven expertise in naval design, project execution, and system integration, while SDHI will utilize its state-of-the-art shipbuilding infrastructure—the largest of its kind in India—for vessel construction. The collaboration merges the technical depth, financial strength, and operational excellence of both organizations to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of these strategic assets.
This agreement reflects the Government of India’s vision of fostering Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) in the defence sector. It aims to combine the agility and cost-effectiveness of private enterprise with the credibility and experience of a leading public sector shipyard. Commenting on the development, Vivek Merchant, Director of SDHI, said, “Partnering with MDL for this landmark initiative allows us to deliver next-generation, world-class LPDs that strengthen India’s naval capabilities and reinforce the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Capt Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director of MDL, added, “This collaboration represents a major step forward in India’s shipbuilding ecosystem. By bringing together MDL’s design and integration skills with SDHI’s manufacturing prowess, we will set new standards for quality, efficiency, and self-reliance in defence production.”
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is a leading state-owned shipyard in India, known for constructing warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and other clients. Located in Mumbai, MDL has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s maritime defense capabilities.
SDHI operates the country’s largest dry dock (662 meters long, 65 meters wide) with a capacity of 400,000 DWT, and it can fabricate up to 144,000 tons of steel each year. The company also runs a large offshore yard for constructing heavy platforms and engineering modules of up to 10,000 tons.
Previously known as Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, SDHI has re-established itself as a key player in heavy fabrication and shipbuilding from its base on India’s west coast. Its facilities are built to handle large-scale projects and support India’s long-term goals in defense, commercial shipping, and industrial engineering.
