- Lays Out Vision & Operational Blueprint
- Highlights Maritime Strategy
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 04 December 2024. “62 ships and 10 submarines are being constructed in various Indian shipyards. We have the AoN of 31 ships and submarines, all of which will be made in India, including seven X17 B stealth frigates and 6 modern submarines under P75(I). We also have AoN for 60 UH(M), ” stated Admiral DK Tripathi. It was the Chief of Naval Staff’s annual press conference prior the Navy Day which is on fourth of December and the Op Demo will be held at Jagannath Puri.
Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime Anywhere is this year’s theme for the Indian Navy. “Our amphibious forces include five ships—one MPB, INS Jalashwa, and four LST(L) ships. We have plans to induct four additional landing platform docks (LPDs), which are currently at the pre-acquisition stage. These platforms will bolster our capability for amphibious operations, including HADR missions and defending island territories,” explained the Chief.
He informed that Project 75I is in an advanced stage of acquisition, with Indian and foreign partners identified. While there have been delays, the process is on track, and Navy aims to ensure that the inducted platforms align with current and future operational requirements.
CNS stated , “As per our timelines and in-house capabilities, we estimate the first SSN will be inducted around 2036-37, with the second following a couple of years later. Regarding the three Scorpene submarines, the acquisition process is at an advanced stage. It’s a repeat order to MDL, and I don’t foresee delays. Formalities should be completed soon, and we expect the contract to be signed by next month.”
Navy Chief stated that discussions on the second IAC are ongoing with the government and INS Vikramaditya has entered a four-month refit program at CSL starting in December. This includes underwater repairs, maintenance of major equipment, and cleaning, as the ship hasn’t been dry-docked in five years. The contract is valued at ₹1.2 billion and involves contributions from MSMEs and start-ups.
Regarding Rafale-M, the acquisition process is at an advanced stage, nearing CCS clearance. Since it’s a government-to-government deal, a swift progress is anticipated.
The CNS informed that Tushil being made in Russia is ready and will be commissioned shortly, likely within this month. After commissioning, it will begin its journey to India. The next frigate in this class, Tamal, is also nearing completion and is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of next year. Both ships are on track to join the Navy without delay.
“Oceans are open domains where any nation may operate. However, we maintain robust maritime domain awareness through our IFC-IOR in Gurugram, which monitors both white and dark shipping. Regarding China, their naval presence in the region is tracked continuously. As for Pakistan, their Navy is expanding rapidly, with plans to build 50 ships. Many of these, including submarines, are being built with Chinese assistance. While we recognize this growth, we are fully prepared to counter any threats in our operational areas,” Admiral Tripathi stated optimistically.
The recent successful test of a long-range anti-ship ballistic missile has sparked discussions about a possible rocket force. The Chief stated that , “ we successfully fired a DRDO-developed 1500 km range anti-ship cruise missile, which will significantly add to the deterrence capability of our arsenal. This was the missile’s first test, and while it’s difficult to provide a specific induction timeline, it represents a major capability enhancement. Discussions on forming a rocket force are still in the preliminary stage. For now, the missile is a naval asset designed as an anti-ship platform. Further updates will be shared as developments occur.”
Responding to a question on the recent test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile Chief, responded in the affirmative and confirmed that the test was conducted successfully with a missile launched without a warhead. The concerned agencies are currently analysing the missile’s trajectory and performance. Once the evaluation is complete, it will be shared. This test marks a significant milestone in bolstering India’s nuclear triad capabilities.
He also informed that the IPMDA initiative is fostering enhanced maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific, with strong cooperation among Quad nations. As for China’s approach, it’s too early to discern significant changes. However, ongoing activities in the South China Sea remain a concern for regional stability.
China’s involvement in the expansion of the Pakistan Navy indicates a strategic nexus and Admiral Tripathi stated that despite many of Pakistan’s new ships and submarines are being built with Chinese assistance and this partnership aims to bolster Pakistan’s naval capabilities, Indian Navy is fully aware of their activities and deployment strategies and continues to refine its operational plans to ensure robust countermeasures are in place.
Chief exhorted to a question on help needed from other countries in managing Andamans, “ We don’t require anybody’s help. The Indian government is fully capable of supporting financially and otherwise to build capabilities. And we are doing what is required for the good of the islands. There is an island development authority, as you are aware. It was originally set up for some time. And it is working highly effectively. We want to create facilities in the Andaman-Iqbal group from north to south, which sometimes can be dual use, but also for the larger development of the islands, whether it is in the form of tourism or anything else. So there are specific plans which are there to add to what has happened till now. And the Andaman-Iqbal administration, in concert with the government of India, is working very effectively. Indian Navy is also playing a role in that. Not only Indian Navy, but other services also. But since it is largely a maritime domain area, Indian Navy is also playing its role as to wherever the help is required for the Indian Navy resources for national development. We have been very forthcoming. And we will continue to do so. As far as the particular country you noted, the US, there is no alignment or there is no association as far as the development of the Andaman-Iqbal is concerned.”
“Over the past three years, through Swavlamban initiatives, we’ve awarded contracts worth ₹1200 crore to startups. Many of these are first-generation entrants into the defence ecosystem. Task forces within the Navy are actively identifying and integrating cutting-edge technologies, including AI and quantum computing, to enhance our warfighting and asset security capabilities. We have 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. 197 cases are being progressed under Make II, iDEX, and TDF. Specifically for iDEX, a total of 178 challenges, 228 winners, 182 contracts signed for prototype development, 22 AoNs for 2143.53 Crores, and approximately 1194 Crores of contract for bulk production. The autonomous surface craft ‘Matangi’ was flagged off from Mumbai and made its transit to Tuticorin, covering a distance of over 1500 km. We have signed the contract for a Tri-Services case of 31MQ9B HALE RPAs (of which 15 will be for the Navy) to augment our surveillance capability. We have 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 year. Our forces have remained on Aatmanirbharta as we remain committed to becoming an Atmanirbhar Navy by 2047,” the Admiral reiterated.
Jointness and theaterisation are also priority for the Indian Navy and the chief informed that the force are actively participating in jointness and interoperation aspects like Joint Logistic Nodes, Integrated Maintenance Working Groups, and Joint Service Study Groups.
Admiral Tripathi’s remarks underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to national security, indigenisation and technological innovation. The operational highlights, ranging from anti-piracy and HADR missions to significant milestones like the commissioning of strategic assets and bilateral engagements, showcase the Navy’s combat readiness and global reach. It has 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. As India asserts itself as a dominant maritime power, the Navy continues to uphold its legacy of courage and excellence, embodying the spirit of a maritime nation.
