INDIAN NAVAL DEVELOPMENT – AN ANALYSIS
India contends that it’s economic and security interests are closely linked to the IOR’s dynamics. India’s resolve to achieve naval dominance is evident from its ongoing naval deployments and future plans. It has made substantial progress in improving its naval capabilities, prioritizing independent advancement and strategic collaborations. India is constructing aircraft carriers domestically and this indicate a deliberate action to strengthen the country’s naval capabilities by adopting new technologies. India’s recent aircraft carrier projects are highlighted below:
| Aircraft Carriers | Capacity | Specification |
| INS Vikrant (Commissioned in 2022) | 45,000-ton | Flagship Aircraft Carrier |
| INS Vishal (to be constructed by 2030) | 65,000 to 75000-ton | Inaugural Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier |
Another scheme in pipeline is the Project 15 Bravo, also known as the Visakhapatnam Class Destroyers. This project incorporates advanced technologies such as automation and stealth. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), a total of four ships are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) under this project. Some upcoming warship projects of the Indian Navy (IN) are given below:
| Projects | Specifications |
| INS Surat (to be commissioned by Nov 2024) | Guided Missile Destroyer |
| INS Imphal (commissioned in Dec 2023) | Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes |
| Project-17 Alpha | Aims to improve the Radar Cross-Section (RCS), Stealth Capabilities |
Indian Navy also aims to expand its submarine fleet to 24 by 2030. Moreover, it has invested in helicopters, aircrafts and UAVs for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance by adding the platforms mentioned in Table 3.
| Submarines | Aerial Capabilities | UAVs |
| S-5 Class (expected to start production by 2027) | Boeing P-8I Poseidon | MQ-9B Sea Guardian |
| Project 75 Alpha | Dornier 228 | Naval Shipborne |
| Chakra III (Akula) Class (to be inducted by 2025) | Kamov Ka-31 | |
| Arihant Class | Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo |
India has been constructing a naval fleet capable of operating in deep waters to enhance its maritime capabilities. Presently, the Indian Navy possesses 150 ships and submarines and 300 aircrafts and plans to acquire 09 Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircrafts, while the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intends to procure 06 Multi-Mission Maritime Aircrafts.
Indian Navy capabilities and financial resources are steadily growing. The Indian Navy has secured financing of 450 million INR to enhance its assets, as projected in the 2022–2023 budget. Furthermore, the Navy is projected to be allocated approximately US$2700 million for its modernization requirements by 2026–2027, demonstrating a consistent yearly growth rate of 10 percent for naval modernization.
Also read this: Russian Air Force Receives First Modernized MiG-31BMs in 2024
These military advances largely influence Pakistan’s security choices against India. Pakistan prioritizes strengthening its strategy of maintaining a credible minimum deterrence. Pakistan may potentially build a second-strike capability by implementing new strategies utilizing its diesel submarines and dual-purpose platforms. Considering the budgetary and time constraints, embracing this road appears advantageous.
Pakistan may not only focus on achieving technological advantage and stability but also employ diplomatic strategies to increase pressure on India over the risks associated with vertical proliferation. The international community must be aware of the perils associated with India’s naval expansion as its implications would extend far beyond the confines of the Indian Ocean and the South Asian region.
Keep connected with us at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram & TikTok for latest defense happening around the globe.