In a first, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi outlined India's nuclear naval ambitions with two mega nuclear submarines with indigenously developed nuclear-powered subs—SSNs. While he put forth his bold and broad perspective on India's maritime ambitions, he also outlined the forthcoming submarine Project-75(I) which is delayed and awaiting final announcement under the strategic partnership (SP) model. He also said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the first two SSNs.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the construction of two advanced nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), marking a significant step in India's indigenous defence capabilities and strengthening the broader defence ecosystem.

Additionally, the Navy Chief elaborated –while briefly—on the delays of the crucial P-75(India) for constructing six submarines which is based on the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. Replying to the question and concerns raised by the author, the Navy Chief explained the intricacies and pointed out that the project would take off soon as the final vendor was shortlisted under the strategic partnership model.

Notably, P-75(India) which is behind schedule is to be contracted for the Indian naval defence entity along with their foreign partners – foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

The delay will further extend the acquisition deadline and with all the sea-worthy operational trials and tests, leading to possible induction by 2037-38 as per the technical experts. The criticality of P-75I is also linked to the Navy's further expansion for Project-76 under which 12 totally indigenous submarines were to be built.

The Navy Chief highlighted delays in the P-75(I) project for constructing six Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarines, though reassurances were given that the project would proceed soon with a final vendor selected under the strategic partnership model.

The Navy has put forth a lot of firepower through its deployment across the Indian Ocean, stretching it to observe the vast oceanic areas. "Since November 2023, our ships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden, the larger South Western Indian Ocean and the Northern Arabian Sea for anti-piracy operations as also for Op Sankalp and to provide security to merchantmen in light of attacks by various vectors," Navy Chief said.

"Our forces have remained on Atmanirbharta as we remain committed to becoming an Atmanirbhar Navy by 2047, said the Navy Chief.

Navy's Capability Roadmap

1. 62 ships and 10 submarines are constructed in various Indian shipyards.
2. The Navy has the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) of 31 ships and submarines, all of which will be Made in India, including 7 X 17B stealth frigates and 6 modern submarines under P-75(I)
3. The Navy also has AoN for 60 Utility Helicopters(M).
4. The Indian Navy has signed the contract for a Tri-Services case of 31 MQ-9B HALE RPAs (of which 15 will be for the Navy) to augment their surveillance capability. The Navy has also inducted Drishti MALE UAV and many indigenous solutions are on the anvil for the induction of autonomous systems in all three domains. "I am confident that they will bear fruit in the coming months and years."
5. The Navy has been at the forefront of utilising various existing programs like Make II, iDeX, Technology Development Fund, and suo moto proposals to develop weapons, systems and equipment by Indian manufacturers. So far, 197 cases are being progressed under Make II, iDEX, and TDF.

Nuclear submarines (SSN): Two advanced nuclear-powered SSNs for Indian Navy

Navy Chief told, that the Government has approved the construction of two nuclear power submarines to be designed and constructed indigenously, thereby showing faith in our in-house capacity, as well as in the larger defence ecosystem of the country. This will substantially galvanise many ancillary industries.

The Navy has an extensive roadmap, including the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 31 ships and submarines, 60 utility helicopters, and the induction of autonomous systems, reflecting its commitment to becoming an Atmanirbhar Navy by 2047.

Anti-ship Cruise Missile

The Navy has successfully fired a DRDO-developed 1,500 km range anti-ship cruise missile, which will significantly add to the deterrence capability of our arsenal, said the Navy Chief.

He also further elaborated on the scale of the missile to cover two fronts, and said, "We have kept an eye on the capability enhancement of our Navy. Towards that, a large number of units will be commissioned in the next 12 months."

Two special task forces, led by Rear Admiral rank officers, have been established to integrate niche and disruptive technologies like AI, robotics, and quantum computing, sourcing innovations from Indian startups, MSMEs, and industries.

A New Tech Task Force for the Navy

The Indian Navy has always strived to march ahead in addressing futuristic technology indigenously. "We have accordingly redoubled our focus on the infusion of niche and disruptive technologies – AI, ML, Robotics, Quantum Computing etc. Towards that, we have set up two special task forces under a Rear Admiral rank Flag Officer each, whose task is to go into the defence ecosystem and look for the available technologies with startups, MSMEs and established industries in the country so that they can be inducted to enhance our capability and plug the gaps wherever visible in a limited time frame", Chief announced on the crucial fronts.

India was, is and always remains a Maritime Nation, Chief puts his perspective, addressing the role and efficacy that maritime plays not only for security but greater trade and commerce which is marked for the growing Indian economy and its growth. On this, the Chief said, "Underscoring the transformative strategic thinking of 'New India', Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asserted that we were once known as a 'landlocked country with sea shores', but now we can be seen as an 'island country with land borders'".

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.