https://sputniknews.in/20241207/navigating-the-future-indian-navys-strategic-modernisation--indigenous-advancements-8503528.html
Navigating the Future: Indian Navy's Strategic Modernisation, Indigenous Advancements
Navigating the Future: Indian Navy's Strategic Modernisation, Indigenous Advancements
Sputnik India
The Indian Navy aims to become a 175-warship force by 2035 and is set to induct 96 vessels and submarines in the next decade. Currently, 62 ships and one... 07.12.2024, Sputnik India
2024-12-07T08:24+0530
2024-12-07T08:24+0530
2024-12-10T21:49+0530
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The Indian Navy is undertaking an ambitious modernisation drive fueled by its expanding area of operations and growing global geopolitical tensions. With advancements in indigenisation proving to be the X-factor, experts say the Indian Navy is on track to become a fully self-reliant blue-water force in the next couple of decades.The Indian Navy is a growing Navy, which has a lot of stress on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and the Warship Design Bureau (formerly Directorate of Naval Design) is playing an all-important role in giving shape to the next generation of warships from planning to the construction stage, retired Captain DK Sharma, former spokesperson of the Indian Navy, and currently a consultant for the popular defence portal Bharatshakti, told Sputnik India.That's why it is now reaching a stage where it will be totally self-reliant as far as conventional warships and submarines are concerned, Sharma added.As such the construction of a submarine is the most complex form of engineering mankind has ever undertaken, he explained. On top of it, if one talks of a nuclear boat that can carry a nuclear-tipped missile, making it an ultimate endeavor in engineering.He credited Russia for making immense contributions to India's nuclear submarine programme, , noting that the decision to lease SSNs to the Indian Navy provided them with the knowledge of operating a nuclear-powered submarine.This was followed by India building its own set of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), including the commissioning of INS Arihant in 2016 and INS Arighaat in 2024.Recently, the Government of India approved the construction of two indigenous SSNs, with the first of the first boats to be handed over to the Indian Navy by 2036-2037 and the second soon thereafter.Submarines, NGMVs & MRAShM With a Bharat FlavourSharma revealed that India is following a 30-year submarine plan, which envisages the construction of 24 submarines. To break this down further, under Project 75I, India envisioned the manufacturing of six indigenous diesel-electric submarines, all of which are almost ready for commissioning.It is worth noting that as per a report by GlobalData Aerospace, Defence and Security, a military industry intelligence platform, India is set to invest $31 billion in enhancing its fleet of submarines over the next few decades.Meanwhile, the construction of six Next-Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) would not only boost the local shipbuilding industry but also ensure that India can maintain and upgrade its fleet independently, Indian Navy veteran Manan Bhatt highlighted in a conversation with Sputnik India.The 'Builder's Navy' is marching towards the ultimate goal of 100% self-reliance. The delivery of these NGMVs, being built by the state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), is set to commence in 2027.He observed that these vessels are designed for anti-surface warfare and will be equipped with advanced stealth features, high-speed capabilities, and potent offensive weapons like the BrahMos missiles. Their construction will generate significant employment and involve numerous Indian manufacturers, reinforcing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.For the uninitiated, the NGMVs are a new type of advanced warships designed for high speed, stealth, and powerful attack capabilities. Their main job is to target enemy warships, merchant ships, and land-based targets. These ships can reach a top speed of 35 knots (around 64 km/h) and are equipped with a variety of weapons to attack targets on the surface.They are designed to be hard to detect, with features that reduce their visibility to radar, infrared sensors, sound detection, and magnetic tracking systems. The NGMVs will be equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missilles, which can hit targets over long distances.Furthermore, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on a new missile called the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM–MR) or Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM).These missiles are designed to be lightweight and will serve as the main offensive weapon on Indian Navy warships, Bengaluru-based defence expert Girish Linganna stated in an interview with Sputnik India.Platforms like the C-295-based maritime patrol aircraft significantly enhance maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, while the development of MRAShM reflects India's advancing technological prowess in precision strike capabilities, naval historian and author Aritra Banerjee echoed.Plus, the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) approved the Indian Navy's proposal for building a second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2) at an estimated cost of $4.8 billion. The proposal is currently awaiting a go-ahead from the government.India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1), INS Vikrant, commissioned in the Navy is a 44,000-tonne vessel. About 90% of its hull, 50% of its machinery, and 30% of its weapons and sensors were made in India.Initially, IAC-2 was planned to be much larger than IAC-1 but it is now expected to have a displacement of 45,000 tonnes.One of the key features of IAC-2 will be its advanced Integrated Electric Propulsion System (IEPS), powered by Rolls-Royce MT-30 gas turbines. This next-generation propulsion system will improve efficiency, provide greater flexibility during operations, and significantly reduce noise, making the ship quieter and more effective for naval missions.India's Naval Expansion Towards 2035India is steadily working towards becoming a 175-warship Navy by 2035, with a strong focus on strengthening its submarine fleet. Currently, the Indian Navy operates around 150 ships and submarines, including approximately 130 medium to large vessels. To achieve its goal, the Navy plans to expand its fleet to 155-160 warships by 2030 and further to 170-175 by 2035.
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Navigating the Future: Indian Navy's Strategic Modernisation, Indigenous Advancements
08:24 07.12.2024 (Updated: 21:49 10.12.2024) The Indian Navy aims to become a 175-warship force by 2035 and is set to induct 96 vessels and submarines in the next decade. Currently, 62 ships and one submarine are under construction in domestic shipyards.
The Indian Navy is undertaking an ambitious modernisation drive fueled by its expanding area of operations and growing global geopolitical tensions. With advancements in indigenisation proving to be the X-factor, experts say the Indian Navy is on track to become a fully self-reliant blue-water force in the next couple of decades.
The Indian Navy is a growing Navy, which has a lot of stress on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and the Warship Design Bureau (formerly Directorate of Naval Design) is playing an all-important role in giving shape to the next generation of warships from planning to the construction stage, retired Captain DK Sharma, former spokesperson of the Indian Navy, and currently a consultant for the popular defence portal Bharatshakti, told Sputnik India.
That's why it is now reaching a stage where it will be totally self-reliant as far as conventional warships and submarines are concerned, Sharma added.
As such the construction of a submarine is the most complex form of engineering mankind has ever undertaken, he explained. On top of it, if one talks of a nuclear boat that can carry a nuclear-tipped missile, making it an ultimate endeavor in engineering.
"It shows the prowess of the Indian Navy and the technological advancements the nation has undergone because multiple institutions like the DRDO, Atomic Energy Commission, and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) among others, are contributing to each other's success in a big way. India has reached the stage where it is today," Sharma stated.
He credited Russia for making immense contributions to India's nuclear submarine programme, , noting that the decision to lease SSNs to the Indian Navy provided them with the knowledge of operating a nuclear-powered submarine.
This was followed by India building its own set of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), including the commissioning of INS Arihant in 2016 and INS Arighaat in 2024.
Recently, the
Government of India approved the
construction of two indigenous SSNs, with the first of the first boats to be handed over to the Indian Navy by 2036-2037 and the second soon thereafter.
Submarines, NGMVs & MRAShM With a Bharat Flavour
Sharma revealed that India is following a 30-year submarine plan, which envisages the construction of 24 submarines. To break this down further, under Project 75I, India envisioned the manufacturing of six indigenous diesel-electric submarines, all of which are almost ready for commissioning.
"In fact, five of them have already joined the Indian Navy, while the sixth, named Vagsheer, is slated to be commissioned soon. In addition, Project 76 focuses on the development of six indigenous conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP)," the defence expert elaborated. "Besides, an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been given for six SSNs, two of which have had their construction approved. Apart from these, India's S-5 class SSBN programme intends to build the next generation of SSBNs with capacity to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)."
It is worth noting that as per a report by GlobalData Aerospace, Defence and Security, a military industry intelligence platform, India is set to invest $31 billion in enhancing its fleet of submarines over the next few decades.
Meanwhile, the construction of six Next-Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) would not only boost the local shipbuilding industry but also ensure that India can maintain and upgrade its fleet independently, Indian Navy veteran Manan Bhatt highlighted in a conversation with Sputnik India.
The 'Builder's Navy' is marching towards the ultimate goal of 100% self-reliance. The delivery of these NGMVs, being built by the state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), is set to commence in 2027.
He observed that these vessels are designed for anti-surface warfare and will be equipped with advanced stealth features, high-speed capabilities, and
potent offensive weapons like the BrahMos missiles. Their construction will generate significant employment and involve numerous Indian manufacturers, reinforcing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
For the uninitiated, the NGMVs are a new type of advanced warships designed for high speed, stealth, and powerful attack capabilities. Their main job is to target enemy warships, merchant ships, and land-based targets. These ships can reach a top speed of 35 knots (around 64 km/h) and are equipped with a variety of weapons to attack targets on the surface.
They are designed to be hard to detect, with features that reduce their visibility to radar, infrared sensors, sound detection, and magnetic tracking systems. The NGMVs will be equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missilles, which can hit targets over long distances.
"The Indian Navy's acquisition of 15 maritime patrol aircraft, including nine Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft, will enhance its surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. These aircraft will provide comprehensive maritime domain awareness, crucial for monitoring and securing the vast Indian Ocean Region," Bhatt said.
Furthermore, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on a new missile called the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM–MR) or Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM).
These missiles are designed to be lightweight and will serve as the main offensive weapon on Indian Navy warships, Bengaluru-based defence expert Girish Linganna stated in an interview with Sputnik India.
"This missile is designed to work in all weather conditions and can target enemy ships from long distances, even beyond the horizon. It is a powerful cruise missile that will strengthen India's naval defence by allowing precise attacks on enemy ships from far away," he emphasised.
Platforms like the C-295-based maritime patrol aircraft significantly enhance maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, while the development of MRAShM reflects India's advancing technological prowess in precision strike capabilities, naval historian and author Aritra Banerjee echoed.
Plus, the
Defence Procurement Board (DPB) approved the Indian Navy's proposal for building a second
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2) at an estimated cost of $4.8 billion. The proposal is currently
awaiting a go-ahead from the government.
India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1), INS Vikrant, commissioned in the Navy is a 44,000-tonne vessel. About 90% of its hull, 50% of its machinery, and 30% of its weapons and sensors were made in India.
Initially, IAC-2 was planned to be much larger than IAC-1 but it is now expected to have a displacement of 45,000 tonnes.
One of the key features of IAC-2 will be its advanced Integrated Electric Propulsion System (IEPS), powered by Rolls-Royce MT-30 gas turbines. This next-generation propulsion system will improve efficiency, provide greater flexibility during operations, and significantly reduce noise, making the ship quieter and more effective for naval missions.
India's Naval Expansion Towards 2035
India is steadily working towards becoming a 175-warship Navy by 2035, with a strong focus on strengthening its submarine fleet. Currently, the Indian Navy operates around 150 ships and submarines, including approximately 130 medium to large vessels. To achieve its goal, the Navy plans to expand its fleet to 155-160 warships by 2030 and further to 170-175 by 2035.
"As of April 2024, the Indian Navy's fleet consisted of a diverse range of ships and vessels. This included two aircraft carriers, one amphibious transport dock, four tank landing ships, 12 destroyers, and 13 frigates. The Navy also operates two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and 16 conventionally powered attack submarines. Additionally, the fleet includes 18 corvettes, eight landing craft utility vessels, 10 large offshore patrol vessels, and five fleet tankers. Supporting these are various auxiliary ships and smaller patrol boats," Linganna concluded.
