In the current geopolitical landscape, numerous factors demand our attention and define our world in multifaceted ways, several of which we delve into within the pages of this issue. One pressing matter that comes to the forefront is the imperative need to restore India’s submarine power amidst these geopolitical shifts.

In a thought-provoking piece, Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla (Retd) sheds light on the urgency for India to reinvigorate its domestic conventional submarine production line. He writes that submarines form a critical component of maritime power and their declining numbers should make decision makers take immediate steps for restoring force levels to the necessary numbers by expediting the indigenous production of both conventional and nuclear attack submarines.

Within these pages, we also bring you insights into the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernisation plans, bolstered by the launch and delivery of new indigenous ships. These additions to the naval fleet underscore the Navy’s steadfast commitment to augmenting its capabilities in the maritime domain. These developments align harmoniously with India’s broader strategic objectives, reinforcing its stature as a dominant regional maritime power.

There is coverage and analysis of the visit of the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to India to restart Indo-German Defence Relations. The old relationship between the two countries has been lying dormant for many years, and now hopefully will get revived, in view of the shared security concerns in the region.

Furthermore, we explore the Teaming Agreement between L&T and Navantia, Spain, a significant stride towards participating in the Indian Navy’s prestigious Project 75 (India) submarine programme.

This issue also provides a comprehensive overview of Exercise Malabar 2023, where the Indian Navy’s indigenous frontline warships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, joined forces with ships and aircraft from the US Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), and The Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

As we navigate through these intricacies of geopolitics and maritime advancements, we invite you to delve into this issue of SP’s Naval Forces, where each article unravels a facet of our ever-evolving maritime world.

Wish you all discerning readers happy reading!

Jai Hind!