India has reinitiated a crucial project to construct 12 highly advanced Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs) in a strategic move to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities. These specialized warships are designed to detect and neutralize underwater mines—an ever-present threat posed by hostile forces to disrupt ports, shipping routes, and maritime trade. Estimated to cost ₹44,000 crore, the proposal will soon be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for the "Acceptance of Necessity" (AoN). Upon approval, the Ministry of Defence will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting Indian shipyards to participate under the "open tender" process—further promoting domestic defense production through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The planned MCMVs will be constructed with non-magnetic hulls to prevent detection by magnetic mines and will be fitted with high-resolution sonar systems, acoustic and magnetic sweeps. Once a mine is located, remote-controlled underwater vehicles will be deployed to neutralize it from a safe distance, ensuring the safety of the ship and crew. This cutting-edge technology will allow the Indian Navy to operate safely in mine-infested waters, thereby securing critical maritime routes and port infrastructure against sabotage attempts.

India’s current fleet of mine countermeasure ships is both limited and outdated, creating a serious operational gap. The induction of these new vessels will significantly bolster the Navy’s capability to secure the country's vast 7,500-kilometer coastline and its exclusive economic zone spanning over 2 million square kilometers. Although the delivery of the first ship may take 7–8 years post-contract due to the complexity of the design and construction process, this project marks a transformative step toward enhancing India's maritime security and operational self-reliance.