As the nation celebrates Navy Day 2024, the Indian Navy stands as a pillar of India’s maritime ambitions, showcasing a rich legacy of operational prowess and strategic insight. This year, the emphasis is on the Navy’s evolution into a formidable entity equipped to protect India’s interests within a dynamic and increasingly competitive Indo-Pacific region.
Currently operating approximately 150 ships and submarines, the Indian Navy has set an ambitious target of expanding its fleet to 175 vessels by the year 2035. The cornerstone of this development is a robust indigenous shipbuilding program, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi highlighted in a recent press conference that 62 ships and one submarine are presently under construction at Indian shipyards, with 31 more projects receiving initial approvals through the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) framework.
The unveiling of the Indian Navy Vision 2047 marks a strategic blueprint aimed at creating a future-ready naval force by the centenary of India’s independence. This vision seeks to consolidate India’s maritime resurgence by focusing on credible deterrence, ensuring operational readiness, and integrating advanced technologies to counter emerging threats.
A significant milestone in enhancing India’s naval capabilities is the Cabinet Committee on Security’s (CCS) green light for the construction of two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), with the first expected to be operational by 2036-37. This development will considerably bolster the Navy’s strategic arsenal in contested waters.
Submarines are a crucial element of the Indian Navy’s defense strategy. The commissioning of INS Arighat in August 2024 further enhances India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. Additionally, the successful testing of the K-4 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from INS Arighat underscores India’s preparedness in the underwater domain. The Navy is also progressing in its conventional capabilities, with five Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarines now operational under Project 75, alongside ongoing negotiations for further Scorpene-class submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. The anticipated Project 75I aims to deliver six next-generation AIP-equipped submarines, further strengthening India’s maritime prowess.
Modernizing the surface fleet is equally imperative for realizing India’s blue-water navy ambitions. The commissioning of INS Vikrant in 2022, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, underscores this transformation. The Navy now operates alongside INS Vikramaditya, strategically enhancing India’s power projection capabilities. Although discussions are underway regarding a potential third aircraft carrier, formal announcements are still pending. The surface fleet’s modernization includes advanced destroyers such as the Visakhapatnam-class and stealth frigates like the Nilgiri-class, equipped with state-of-the-art defense systems.
In parallel, the Indian Navy is on the brink of significant advancements in naval aviation capabilities. The planned acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine jets from France is expected to bolster carrier-based air power, complementing existing MiG-29Ks. The Navy is also enhancing its surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities through platforms like the Boeing P-8I Poseidon and Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters. Additionally, the proposed induction of 31 MQ-9B drones aims to expand the Navy’s monitoring capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Strategic infrastructure development remains a priority in the Navy’s modernization efforts. The construction of INS Varsha, a dedicated base for nuclear submarines near Visakhapatnam, alongside upgrades to facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are set to enhance India’s capacity to monitor vital sea lanes and respond swiftly to maritime challenges. The Navy is also embracing advanced technology with over 30 artificial intelligence (AI) projects underway, aimed at improving decision-making processes and operational efficiency.
In the face of increasing regional competition, the Indian Navy maintains a vigilant stance. Admiral Tripathi noted the unexpected growth of the Pakistan Navy, which aims for a 50-ship fleet by the next decade, heavily supported by Chinese investments. The expansion of China’s naval presence in the IOR, involving research vessels and warships, is closely monitored by India. The Navy’s proactive surveillance and strategic recalibrations highlight its readiness to safeguard national maritime interests.
India’s role as a global maritime power is further solidified through its engagement in international maritime frameworks, reflecting commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Collaborative efforts with partners such as France, the United States, and Japan, along with participation in exercises like Malabar, emphasize India’s intentions as a net security provider in the region. The Navy’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations have also established its reputation as a “first responder” in times of crisis, showcasing operational versatility and soft power.
Looking towards the future, the Indian Navy is well-positioned to influence India’s strategic direction significantly. By prioritizing indigenous innovation, technological advancements, and global partnerships, the Navy embodies the nation’s maritime aspirations. During this Navy Day, citizens express gratitude for the unwavering commitment of the men and women of the Indian Navy, who safeguard the nation’s maritime frontiers and contribute to its emergence as a global maritime powerhouse.
