In keeping with a growing “strategic partnership” with South Korea, India is set to acquire 8 advanced mine sweeping and hunting warships for $1 billion.
Under the program, India will get two of the mine counter-measures vessels (MCMVs) directly from the South Korean firm Kangnam Corporation, while the other six will be manufactured by a shipyard in Goa after the transfer of technology. “The contract is now being finalized after the conclusion of the commercial negotiations,” said a source.
India’s need for advanced MCMVs that combine the role of traditional minesweepers and active mine-hunters to detect and destroy underwater mines is critical for the security of Indian harbors and offshore installations. Made of composite material and high-grade steel to ensure minimal magnet fields, the new MCMVs will have high-definition sonars and acoustic and magnetic sweeps to first detect all kinds of marooned and drifting mines and then use remote-controlled systems like small underwater vehicles to detonate them at safe distances.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
