The Indian navy is planning to become a 200 warship force with 600 helicopters and helicopters by 2027. The hike in navy’s commissioning of warships and weapons seems to be a sign of strength. As China has expanded its presence in Indian Ocean region (IOR) in order to secure its energy supplies. South China Sea has been a major issue of China and now India need to bother about and get ready of IOR. Recent commissioning of naval ships, submarines and defense systems has shown how the Indian government is focusing over Indian navy which matters a lot to secure Indian waters.
India with more thrust emphasizing on its armed forces is now seems to be focusing on navy. Every week, news of commissioning of new ship, submarine is surfaced. Recently, INS Vishwakarma was announced commissioned by chief of naval staff Admiral R. K. Dhowan. The ship is a premier training establishment of Indian navy was previously shipwright school. It was also named as INS Shiwaji previously and is crucially placed in Indian navy signifying indigenization under ‘Make in India’.
Last week, INS Mareech a torpedo defense system is also introduced in India to deter torpedo attacks. The defense system was developed by the naval defense laboratories. The system is expert in detecting and tracking the torpedo attacks and taking steps to prevent naval ships from torpedo attacks. The system can divert the attacks and leading to lose its energy. It opens new part of naval power to India.
Make in India has affected India a lot, especially defense sector which has observed a hike in production and made a strong hold on development. Acquisition and procurements are still going on but indigenization is the first priority of India these days. Similar project of INS Kochi has been a strong card for India. INS Kochi, the Pride of India is also a cause of threat to the enemies of India. The stealth destroyer is flourished with elite features and being the largest Indian made warship, it has a special place in Indian navy. INS Kolkata of same class was commissioned last year. Not only this Indian government is looking toward project &% to manufacture 6 advanced submarines with high underwater endurance having land attack cruise missiles and air independent propulsion. The production time estimated to be about 10 years.
When it comes to Indian’s partnership with other nations in field of defense, India gives its best. The most recent example is Barak-8 (LR-SAM). As per sources, long-range surface to air missiles which are a jointly developed by India and Israel is capable of shielding any air threats like drones, missiles or aircraft in range of 80 Kms. Barak NG (next generation) is all set for its test from naval warship. Well AGNI IV’s successful test has led India to make an efficient ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missiles) in next project. And similar missile projects need to be gear up for better defense performance
If we look at current scenario, still there is lack of minesweepers, helicopters, and submarines in Indian navy which need to be fulfilled to get a fully prepared navy ready to attack and counterattack. China’s 51 conventional and 5 nuclear submarines and Pakistan’s recent deal with china to get 8 submarines means some big enemies on the head. With this, India has to overcome the deficiency in both count and types of weapons and warheads.