Indian Navy Surges Ahead with 6 New Submarines: A Bold Leap in Regional Power Projection

Stay updated on the Indian Navy’s bold expansion as it commissions 6 new submarines and strengthens its regional presence. Discover how the Indian Navy is shaping maritime security through modernization and indigenous power.

Indian Navy Embarks on Ambitious Modernization Amidst Regional Challenges

The Indian Navy is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by strategic acquisitions, indigenous advancements, and enhanced operational readiness. These developments aim to bolster India’s maritime capabilities in response to evolving regional dynamics and emerging security challenges.​

Strategic Submarine Acquisitions

In a pivotal move to modernize its underwater fleet, the Indian government has approved the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines, with an estimated budget of approximately ₹450 billion. This initiative is part of a broader plan to develop six such submarines, reflecting India’s commitment to strengthening its naval deterrence capabilities. These submarines are expected to be constructed at the Shipbuilding Centre in Visakhapatnam, with significant contributions from domestic industry leaders. This development underscores India’s focus on enhancing its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.​

Advancements in Indigenous Warship Production

The Indian Navy is poised to commission several state-of-the-art warships and submarines, including INS Nilgiri, the first stealth frigate of the Project 17A class; INS Surat, the fourth stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class; and INS Vagsheer, the sixth submarine of the Kalvari-class. These vessels, equipped with cutting-edge technology, are expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region. Notably, INS Nilgiri and INS Surat have been designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, highlighting the emphasis on indigenous design and production.​

Fleet Expansion and Indigenization Goals

Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, has articulated the Navy’s vision to expand its fleet to over 200 ships by 2035, with a focus on achieving approximately 90% indigenization. This ambitious plan aligns with the broader national objective of self-reliance in defense production, aiming for complete self-sufficiency by 2047. The expansion encompasses a diverse range of vessels, including frigates, corvettes, support vessels, survey vessels, submarines, helicopters, and aircraft.​

Enhanced Operational Readiness through Exercises

Demonstrating its operational preparedness, the Indian Navy recently concluded the Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2025. This extensive three-month exercise involved approximately 70 warships, 10 submarines, and over 80 aircraft, covering a vast expanse from the Strait of Hormuz to the Sunda and Lombok Straits. TROPEX 2025 aimed to assess the Navy’s combat readiness and interoperability with other services, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard. The exercise encompassed various facets of modern naval warfare, such as amphibious operations, cyber and electronic warfare, and tactical maneuvers.​

Maritime Security Operations

In response to escalating security concerns, particularly in the Western Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has maintained a robust presence, deploying over 30 ships and responding to more than 25 incidents over the past year. These operations have been instrumental in safeguarding maritime trade routes, with the Navy successfully escorting over 230 merchant vessels carrying cargo valued at over $4 billion. These efforts are in line with India’s ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) vision, emphasizing maritime domain awareness, security, and humanitarian assistance.​

Collaborative Efforts in Electric Propulsion Systems

In a significant step towards technological advancement, India and the United Kingdom have strengthened their partnership to develop electric propulsion systems for naval vessels. The third joint working group meeting of the UK-India Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership, held at Portsmouth Naval Base, culminated in the signing of a Statement of Intent on Cooperation. This collaboration aims to foster indigenous development of advanced naval technologies, enhancing the operational efficiency and sustainability of future Indian naval vessels.​

Strategic Imperatives in the Indian Ocean Region

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has underscored the critical importance of maintaining a formidable naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region, citing it as a hub of global trade and a focal point of international power dynamics. With 95% of India’s trade volume linked to this region, the imperative for a robust and capable Indian Navy is evident. This strategic focus is particularly pertinent given the increasing naval activities of other regional powers, necessitating a vigilant and proactive maritime strategy.​

Conclusion

The Indian Navy’s ongoing modernization and expansion efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to enhance maritime security, promote regional stability, and achieve self-reliance in defense capabilities. Through strategic acquisitions, indigenous advancements, collaborative partnerships, and rigorous operational exercises, the Navy is poised to navigate the complexities of the evolving maritime landscape effectively.