India is moving ahed to significantly enhance its naval capabilities over the next decade, including the introduction of its first nuclear-powered attack submarine and nearly 100 new ships and submarines, according to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. He shared these updates during a press briefing ahead of Navy Day, celebrated annually on December 4.

Key Developments in Naval Expansion
India has made significant progress in bolstering its maritime defense. Agreements to procure 26 Rafale-M naval combat aircraft and three additional Scorpene-class submarines are expected to be finalized by January. Admiral Tripathi said the process for the additional Scorpene submarines, to be built in collaboration with Mazagon Dock Limited and France’s Naval Group, is in its advanced stages.

For the Rafale-M jets, Admiral Tripathi said the acquisition is nearing completion and may soon receive approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. These jets are intended to operate from India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, serving as an interim solution until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is operational. The TEDBF prototype is expected by 2026, with production targeted by 2031.

Nuclear Submarine Program
India’s first nuclear-powered attack submarine is projected to be operational by 2036-37, with a second following shortly thereafter. The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of two nuclear submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, with plans to eventually build six such submarines indigenously. Unlike SSBNs, which carry nuclear-tipped missiles, these SSNs are designed for advanced underwater combat.

Currently, India operates two SSBNs—INS Arihant and INS Arighaat—with two more under construction. These submarines are critical for strategic deterrence and maritime dominance.

Strengthening Maritime Defense
The Navy is working on adding 63 ships and submarines currently under construction at various Indian shipyards, while approvals have been granted for 31 more. Additionally, the Defense Ministry has sanctioned the procurement of 60 helicopters to replace the aging Chetak fleet.

In international collaboration, two stealth frigates constructed at a Russian shipyard are being added to the fleet. The first, Tushil, will be commissioned next week, while the second, Tamal, is expected in early 2025. Admiral Tripathi emphasized that the Navy will add one ship to its fleet each month over the next year.

Enhancing Submarine Fleet
Under Project-75, India is set to commission Vagsheer, the sixth and final Kalvari-class (Scorpene) diesel-electric attack submarine. This addition is part of a ₹23,562-crore initiative to enhance underwater combat capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, where India faces challenges such as China’s growing influence.

The Navy’s long-term plans also include six diesel-electric submarines under Project-75I, which are yet to commence due to delays in finalizing a foreign vendor and Indian shipyard partner.

Navy Day and Strategic Vision
Navy Day commemorates Operation Trident, the 1971 attack on Karachi harbor during the war with Pakistan. This year, the celebration will take place in Puri, Odisha, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.

India’s expanding naval force reflects its commitment to strengthening its maritime posture and protecting its interests in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring a robust and modern naval presence for decades to come.

India's Plan for Nuclear Submarines and Indigenous Naval Expansion

India's first nuclear-powered attack submarine is expected to be operational by 2036-37, with the second following two years later. The Navy aims to deploy a total of six such conventionally armed submarines, reinforcing its strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region to counter potential threats.

Admiral Dinesh Tripathi highlighted that the Defense Ministry has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the construction of 31 ships and submarines, all to be built within India. This includes seven stealth frigates under Project-17B and six advanced diesel-electric submarines under Project-75(I).

In India’s defense procurement process, an AoN issued by the Defense Acquisition Council is the initial and critical step toward acquiring military assets. This move underscores the Navy’s commitment to indigenous manufacturing and enhancing self-reliance in defense capabilities.

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