New Delhi: The Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi on December 2 said that as part of efforts to boost country’s naval power, currently 62 ships and a submarine are under construction within the country and a large number of platforms are waiting for induction in the next one year. “Sixty-two warships and one submarine are under construction in the country, and there is acceptance of necessity for 31 more powerful warships and submarines, including six submarines of Project-75 India. This includes 60 Utility Helicopters Marine for the Navy.”
At least one ship will be inducted into the Navy, he said while briefing the media ahead of the Navy Day, December 4, 2024. Focusing simultaneously on expanding its fleet, the Indian Navy’s massive shipbuilding effort is part of India’s long-term strategy to modernise its naval forces and enhance its self-reliance in defence production.
Added Admiral Tripathi, the Indian Navy plans to commission its first fully indigenously designed nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) by 2036-37 and the second one in about two years from then. He underlined that the submarine design would be done indigenously and that the government approval was a vote of confidence for the Navy and the domestic industry.
“The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has given approval to the first two SSNs,” Navy chief said and remarked that the 30-year-old submarine building programme has been tweaked. According to the plan fixed in 1999, India was to induct 24 conventional submarines by 2030. However, only five have been inducted while the sixth Scorpene submarine is slated for commissioning soon under Project 75.
Admiral Tripathi said that the deal for three additional Scorpene submarines is to be signed next month. Incidentally, the reason why additional Scorpene submarines have been signed was because the P75 (I) programme has been delayed. India’s plan for building the next six conventional submarines with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system under Project 75 (India) is way behind the schedule. Yet to be contracted for, the project execution will take time. The experience from the P75 (I) programme was to be used in Project 76 under which 12 totally indigenous submarines were to be built.
Confirming the successful missile test conducted from the INS Arighaat, part of the nuclear-powered submarine fleet, Admiral Tripathi stated, “India carried out a test of the missile, and the launch was successful. The agencies concerned are examining the trajectory that the missile took and soon we will know the results.” INS Arighaat, the second SSBN inducted in August, is undergoing trials right now.
India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, has conducted multiple deterrence patrols, solidifying its strategic position, the Navy chief added. “In August, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the second nuclear submarine INS Arighaat, which is an important leg of our nuclear triad,” Tripathi remarked. He assured that India’s nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) are on track to meet the timelines communicated to the government.
The Navy chief also said that the deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighters will also be inked next month. He revealed that the negotiation is at an advanced stage. “Rafale Marine is at an advanced stage of negotiations and is only one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since it is a government-to-government deal, it should not take much time,” he said.
Pointing towards the growing concerns over Pakistan’s naval ambitions, which have been significantly strengthened by Chinese assistance, Admiral Tripathi said, “Many Pakistan Navy warships and submarines are being built with Chinese support, showing that China is interested in making Pakistan’s Navy stronger.” He highlighted the delivery of eight new submarines to Pakistan, noting their significant combat potential.
He explained, “We are fully aware of their capabilities. That is why we are tweaking our concepts to be able to tackle all threats from our neighbours.” He also pointed out the imbalance in Pakistan’s priorities, stating, “They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people.” The Admiral further noted that Pakistan is pursuing the goal of a 50-ship navy, an ambition that has not gone unnoticed by India.
“We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces, including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels, and know what they are doing and where they are,” he said.
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