Deal marks a significant boost for India’s defence exports and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
SDHI shipyard in Gujarat, India.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company, has won a prestigious defence export order from the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to supply a state-of-the-art naval training vessel for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).
The vessel, designed to support advanced naval training and a wide range of maritime operations, is scheduled for delivery within 18 months, marking a major milestone for India’s defence manufacturing and export ambitions.
Strengthening India–Oman Maritime Cooperation
The order reinforces India’s growing stature as a global maritime and shipbuilding hub, while also deepening long-standing bilateral ties between India and Oman. It reflects the increasing confidence of international navies in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and aligns with broader efforts to enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
This development underscores the role of Indian shipyards in supporting friendly foreign navies with modern, high-quality platforms tailored to evolving operational and training needs.
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Modern Training Platform Designed for Operational Excellence
The training vessel will measure 104.25 metres in length, with a beam of 13.88 metres and a displacement of up to 3,500 tonnes. It is being designed as a comprehensive floating academy, capable of delivering world-class training at sea.
The ship will feature modern classrooms, dedicated training offices, and accommodation facilities, along with an auditorium that can support advanced instruction for up to 70 officer cadets. These facilities are intended to provide a realistic and immersive learning environment that mirrors contemporary naval operations.
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Advanced Systems and Helicopter Capability
In addition to its training infrastructure, the vessel will be equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system and an advanced communications suite. It will also have the capability to conduct helicopter operations, significantly enhancing its operational flexibility and training realism.
These features will allow the Royal Navy of Oman to conduct a wide range of training missions, from navigation and seamanship to joint and combined maritime operations.
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SDHI shipyard in Gujarat, India.
SDHI Highlights Global-Standard Capabilities
Rear Admiral V K Saxena (Retd), Chief Executive Officer of Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited, said the contract reflects the company’s technical depth and ability to meet stringent international standards.
“This contract stands as a testament to our advanced technical expertise and world-class shipbuilding capabilities that meet global benchmarks,” Saxena said. “Earning the confidence of the Royal Navy of Oman reinforces SDHI’s commitment to excellence and drives us to consistently deliver high-quality vessels distinguished by innovation, reliability, and performance.”
Indian Shipyards Gain Global Momentum
The order comes at a time when Indian shipyards are increasingly asserting their competitiveness on the global stage. This momentum is being supported by strategic initiatives from the Ministry of Defence (Defence Production), aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, promoting exports, and building a resilient maritime industrial base.
Such projects highlight the growing role of Indian industry in meeting international defence requirements with indigenously designed and built platforms.
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Aligned with India’s Amrit Kaal Vision
The partnership with Oman aligns closely with India’s Amrit Kaal Vision, which emphasizes self-reliance, advanced manufacturing, and export-led growth in defence and maritime sectors. By delivering complex naval platforms to international customers, India is steadily reinforcing its position as a trusted exporter of high-quality, indigenously built vessels.
With the Royal Navy of Oman order, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries has added another significant chapter to India’s expanding defence export story, underlining the country’s emergence as a credible and competitive player in the global shipbuilding arena.
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