Navy Day in India is celebrated on the 4th of December every year. This day is observed to commemorate the Indian Navy’s successful attack on the Karachi harbour, which played a crucial role in the victory of India over Pakistan in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
It is worth mentioning that the Pakistani Air Force launched pre-emptive strikes against Indian airfields in the early hours of December 3, 1971. This officially marked the beginning of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Anticipating a potential Pakistani attack on its assets, the Indian Navy swung into action and launched a pre-emptive strike codenamed Operation Trident, against Pakistan on December 4, 1971.
On December 4, 1971 – INS Veer, INS Nipat, and INS Nirghat –three missile boats of the Indian Navy stealthily approached the heavily defended Karachi port of Pakistan under the cover of darkness and launched a daring surprise attack on Pakistani naval vessels and shore installations. The Indian ships armed with Soviet P-15 Termit anti-ship missiles sunk Pakistani destroyer PNS Khaibar, minesweeper PNS Muhafiz, and a merchant ship, MV Venus Challenger, while another destroyer PNS Shah Jahan was severely damaged.
Operation Trident was a resounding success for the Indian Navy. It not only inflicted heavy casualties on the Pakistani Navy but also demonstrated India’s growing naval capabilities. The bold and meticulously planned operation paralysed the Pakistani naval forces and significantly altered the course of the 1971 war.
Significance of Navy Day
In recognition of the Indian Navy’s bravery and strategic brilliance during Operation Trident, December 4 is celebrated as Navy Day in India. This day commemorates the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. It is also an occasion to honour the achievements and contributions of the Indian Navy project to the might of the country and to protect its coastal borders.
Navy Day is an occasion to express gratitude and appreciation for the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice of the men and women serving in the Indian Navy. Various events and activities, including parades, exhibitions, and ceremonial functions across the country mark the day. It is an opportunity for the nation to recognize the role of the navy in safeguarding the maritime interests of India and ensuring the security of its coastal areas.
Navy Day serves as a powerful reminder of the Indian Navy’s rich seafaring legacy, dating back to the ancient era of the Chola dynasty. Over the centuries, the Indian Navy has evolved into a modern, technologically advanced force, capable of safeguarding India’s extensive coastline and strategic interests.
The Indian Navy plays an increasingly crucial role in ensuring regional stability and peace in making India emerge as a leading maritime power. Its active participation in international maritime exercises and collaborative partnerships with navies around the world is fostering a spirit of cooperation and promoting maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Pakistani Air Force launched pre-emptive strikes against Indian airfields in the early hours of December 3, 1971. This officially marked the beginning of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Anticipating a potential Pakistani attack, the Indian Navy launched a pre-emptive strike codenamed Operation Trident, against Pakistan on December 4, 1971
The Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to innovation and self-reliance has propelled it to the forefront of maritime technology. From stealth frigates to pioneering advances in submarines and underwater warfare, the Indian Navy has undertaken several initiatives in 2023 to modernise its fleet, enhance its operational capabilities, and strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Here are some of the key initiatives:
Swavlamban-2023
The Indian Navy conducted the second edition of its Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (NIIO) Seminar, Swavlamban-2023, in October 2023. The seminar showcased 75 prototypes of niche technologies developed by Indian startups and MSMEs, including blue-green lasers for underwater applications, autonomous weaponised swarms, underwater swarm drones, firefighting aids, and artificial intelligence applications.
Objectives:
- Promote self-reliance in the Indian Navy through the development and adoption of indigenous technologies.
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the maritime domain.
- Showcase the capabilities of Indian startups and MSMEs in catering to the needs of the Navy.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between the Navy, academia, and industry.
Highlights of Swavlamban-2023:
- Showcasing 75 Prototypes: A key highlight of the event was the demonstration of 75 prototype technologies developed by Indian startups and MSMEs, responding to the “SPRINT Challenges” set by the Navy the previous year. These prototypes covered a wide range of advanced technologies, including:
o Blue-green lasers for underwater applications.
o Autonomous weaponised swarms and underwater swarm drones.
o Firefighting aids tailored for maritime situations.
o Artificial intelligence applications for diverse naval needs.
o Ultra-endurance small drone for maritime missions.
- Live Demonstrations: The event also featured live demonstrations of several innovative technologies, allowing attendees to witness their capabilities first-hand. This provided a valuable opportunity for the Navy to evaluate the potential of these technologies for operational use.
- Brainstorming Sessions: The seminar facilitated active discussions and brainstorming sessions between the Navy, startups, and MSMEs. These interactions helped identify areas for further collaboration and development, paving the way for future advancements in indigenous naval technologies.
Impact:
Swavlamban-2023 was a significant event that brought together various stakeholders from the Indian maritime ecosystem. It successfully showcased the potential of Indian startups and MSMEs in developing cutting-edge naval technologies, propelling the nation towards greater self-reliance in the defence sector. The event further strengthened the Navy’s commitment to encouraging innovation and fostering partnerships for building a technologically advanced and stronger maritime force.
The success of Swavlamban-2023 is a testament to the Indian Navy’s forward-thinking approach and its dedication to promoting indigenous capabilities for securing the nation’s maritime interests.
Operation Trident was a resounding success for the Indian Navy. It not only inflicted heavy casualties on the Pakistani Navy but also demonstrated India’s growing naval capabilities. The bold and meticulously planned operation paralysed the Pakistani naval forces and significantly altered the course of the 1971 war. Since that day December 4 is celebrated as Navy Day in India
Fleet modernisation
The Indian Navy has undertaken a significant fleet modernisation program in recent years, and 2023 has been a particularly active year in this regard. The Navy has inducted several new ships and submarines, and it has also made progress on a number of other modernisation initiatives.
New Ships and Submarines: The most notable new inductions in 2023 have been the P-17A stealth frigate INS Mormugao and the INS Vagir submarine.
P17A Stealth Frigate
The first Project-17 Alpha frigate (P-17A frigate) was commissioned into the Indian Navy in September 2023. It is a momentous addition to the Indian Navy and is expected to play a key role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. The remaining six frigates are expected to be commissioned by 2028.
The P-17A are a series of stealth guided-missile frigates being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) to replace the ageing frigate fleet of the Indian Navy with modern, stealthy, and technologically advanced frigates.
The P-17A frigates are designed to be stealthy and have a low radar signature. Its design features include:
- Angled surfaces that reflect radar waves away from the ship, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect.
- The ships will be coated with radar-absorbent materials to reduce their radar signature.
- The ships have an integrated mast with a variety of antennas to reduce the number of protruding objects that can reflect radar waves.
The P-17A frigates are equipped with a variety of weapons and sensors to defend against a wide range of threats. These include:
- A 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid main gun — capable of firing 120 rounds per minute.
- Eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles with a range of over 300 kilometres.
- MF-STAR multi-function radar capable of tracking both air and surface targets.
- Two torpedo tubes for launching anti-submarine torpedoes.
The P-17A frigates are designed for a variety of operational roles, including:
- The ships will be equipped with a variety of weapons for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) that make them ideally suited for hunting down and destroying submarines.
- The ships will have a variety of Anti-air warfare (AAW) weapons including surface-to-air missiles and a 30mm close-in weapon system (CIWS).
- The ships will be armed with Anti-ship warfare (AShW) weapons and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles capable of sinking enemy ships.
- The ships will be equipped with patrolling and surveillance aids for patrolling India’s coastline and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
INS Mormugao (D67)
INS Mormugao (D67) is a modern, stealthy, and technologically advanced warship commissioned in the Indian Navy on 18 December 2022. It is the second ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers and is expected to serve in the Indian Navy for at least 30 years. Built at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), INS Mormugao is capable of a wide range of missions, including:
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Anti-air warfare (AAW)
- Anti-ship warfare (AShW)
- Patrolling and surveillance
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
The Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to innovation and self-reliance has propelled it to the forefront of maritime technology. From stealth frigates to pioneering advances in submarines and underwater warfare, the Indian Navy has undertaken several initiatives in 2023 to modernise its fleet, enhance its operational capabilities, and strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region
General Characteristics
- Type: Stealth Guided-Missile Destroyer
- Displacement: 7,400 tonnes
- Length: 163 m
- Beam: 17.4 m
- Draft: 4.5 m
- Propulsion: COGAG (Combined Gas and Gas)
- Speed: Over 30 knots (50 km/h)
- Range: 4,000 nautical miles
- Crew: About 300 personnel
Armament
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles: 8
- Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles: 16
- 76mm Super Rapid gun mount: 1
- RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers: 2
- 533mm torpedo launchers: 2
Sensors
- MF-STAR multi-function radar: 1
- HUMSA sonar: 1
- Electronic warfare suite: 1
Helicopter Facilities
- Enclosed helicopter hangar: 1
- Flight deck: 1
- Capacity: 2 multi-role helicopters
Other Features
- Multiple fire zones
- Battle damage control systems
- Distributional power systems
- Total atmospheric control system
INS Vagir (S25)
INS Vagir (S25) is the fifth of the first batch of six Kalvari-class submarines. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 23 January 2023, INS Vagir is expected to serve in the Indian Navy for at least 25 years. INS Vagir is a modern, stealthy, and technologically advanced submarine being built in India. It inherits its name from INS Vagir (S41) which served in the Navy from 1973–2001.
It is designed by Naval Group a French naval defence and Energy Company and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited, an Indian shipyard in Mumbai.
INS Vagir is capable of a wide range of missions, including:
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Anti-ship warfare (AShW)
- Intelligence gathering (SIGINT)
General Characteristics
- Type: Diesel-electric attack submarine
- Displacement: 6,255 tonnes (surfaced), 6,555 tonnes (submerged)
- Length: 67.78 m
- Beam: 6.2 m
- Draft: 5.3 m
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric
- Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h) surfaced, 12 knots (22 km/h) submerged
- Range: 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km) at 8 kn (15 km/h) (surfaced); 550 nmi (1,020 km) at 4 kn (7.4 km/h) (submerged)
- Crew: About 30 officers and 70 sailors
Armament
- Torpedo tubes: 6
- Submarine-launched missiles: 8
- Mine-laying capability: Yes
Sensors
- Sonar: 1
- Electronic warfare suite: 1
- Periscope: 1
Stealth Features
- Anechoic coating: Reduces the submarine’s sonar signature
- Pump-jet propulsion: Reduces the submarine’s noise signature
In addition to these, the Indian Navy also commissioned a number of smaller vessels in 2023, including:
Yard 1123 large landing ship (LLS): The Yard 1123 LLS is the largest LLS in the Indian Navy and is designed to transport troops and vehicles to and from shore. It is expected to be commissioned into the Indian Navy by 2024 and is expected to serve in the Indian Navy for at least 30 years. The Yard 1123 LLS is equipped with various features that make it ideal for amphibious operations, including a helicopter deck, a ramp, and a hospital.
The Yard 1123 LLS designed for amphibious warfare missions, will prove to be a blessing in disguise for:
- Troop transport
- Vehicle transport
- Cargo transport
- Medical support
- Disaster relief
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft (SWC) Anjadip: The Anjadip is the third of eight SWCs being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the Indian Navy. The SWCs are designed to operate in shallow waters and are equipped with a variety of ASW sensors and weapons. The project is designed to replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes of the Indian Navy and is intended to undertake ASW duties in littoral waters, including search-and-attack unit (SAU) missions and coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations with naval aircraft. Launched on 13 June 2023 ASW SWC Anjadip is a modern, stealthy, and technologically advanced ship which is expected to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2024.
Fast patrol vessels (FPVs): The Indian Navy has commissioned four new FPVs in 2023. Fast patrol vessels (FPVs) are small, fast, and manoeuvrable ships that are designed to intercept and interdict small and medium-sized vessels engaged in illegal activities such as smuggling, piracy, and fishing violations. FPVs are also used for search and rescue operations, coastal surveillance, and maritime security.
FPVs are an important tool for maritime security and can be used to:
- Intercept and interdict smugglers, pirates, and fishing violators
- Conduct search and rescue operations
- Surveil coastlines and maritime borders
- Provide security for offshore installations
Other Modernisation Initiatives
In addition to inducting new ships and submarines, the Indian Navy is also making progress on a number of other modernisation initiatives. These include:
Developing new weapons and sensors: The Indian Navy is developing a number of new weapons and sensors to enhance the capabilities of its existing ships and submarines. These include:
BRAHMOS supersonic missile system: The BRAHMOS is a high-speed cruise missile that is being developed jointly by India and Russia.
Multi-function radar (MFR): The MFR is a radar system that can be used to track both air and surface targets.
Upgrading existing ships and submarines: The Indian Navy is upgrading a number of its existing ships and submarines to extend their service lives and enhance their capabilities.
Improving infrastructure: The Indian Navy is investing in improving its infrastructure, such as its ports and bases. This will improve the Navy’s ability to operate and maintain its fleet.
Conclusion
The Indian Navy’s fleet modernisation program is a major undertaking, but it is essential for the Navy to maintain its maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean region and to protect India’s interests from a wide range of threats. The Navy is making good progress on the program, and it is expected to continue to invest in modernisation in the years to come. Indian Navy’s fleet modernisation efforts are gaining strong momentum. This will result in a modern and well-equipped navy, capable of effectively safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
On this Navy Day, let us salute the indomitable spirit of the Indian Navy, the guardians of our seafaring legacy, who stand as a beacon of hope and security for our nation.
–The writer is a seasoned media professional with over three decades of experience in print, electronic, and web media. He is presently Editor of Taazakhabar News. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
