India orders next-gen corvettes for $5.7b under broad naval modernization push

NEW DELHI — In a major push to strengthen its naval capabilities , India signed a $5.7 billion contract with domestic companies Monday to build eight next-generation, corvettes that will undertake anti-submarine, anti-surface and coastal defense operations. The new ships will gradually replace a fleet of aging single-role corvettes. India’s efforts to upgrade its maritime strength include plans to acquire six advanced submarines through a partnership with Germany and base 26 French Rafale Marine aircraft aboard its aircraft carriers. The Defense Ministry said the corvettes will be equipped…