In a significant move to enhance its military capabilities, India is poised to finalize two major defense deals with France by January 2025. The agreements involve the procurement of 26 new Rafale-M fighter jets and three additional Scorpene-class submarines, as announced by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi during a media briefing ahead of Navy Day. He highlighted that these deals are part of a broader strategy to bolster India’s naval prowess in the Indian Ocean Region.
Admiral Tripathi detailed that the Indian Navy is vigilant regarding the presence of extra-regional forces, particularly Chinese naval units, in the Indian Ocean. He emphasized that India is well aware of various maritime activities in the region, especially given the ongoing construction of several Pakistani warships with Chinese assistance. This situation underscores the geopolitical complexities and challenges faced by India, especially in light of China’s expanding influence.
Negotiations for the Rafale-M deal are reportedly in advanced stages, with the agreement expected to be forwarded to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval. The procurement comes as India prepares to operationalize its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The deal for these twin-engine deck-based fighters, essential for sustained naval operations, is estimated to cost around ₹50,000 crore. Until India develops its own Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), the Rafale-M will serve as an interim solution, with the first prototype of the TEDBF anticipated to fly by 2026.
Additionally, India is in discussions with France to produce three more Scorpene-class submarines at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. This initiative aims to reinforce India’s maritime posture amid rising strategic challenges, particularly from China’s assertive maritime expansion.
In reinforcing its underwater capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission Vagsheer, the final submarine in the Kalvari-class series—part of the ₹23,562-crore Project-75. Admiral Tripathi noted recent government approvals for constructing two indigenously designed nuclear-powered submarines, which will significantly boost the national defense infrastructure and stimulate ancillary industries in the country. The first of these nuclear submarines is expected to be operational by 2036-37, with the second following two years later.
Emphasizing the importance of indigenous production, Tripathi revealed that the defense ministry has cleared 31 ships and submarines to be constructed in India, including seven stealth frigates under Project-17B and six modern diesel-electric submarines under Project-75(I). This initiative adheres to India’s defense procurement protocols, where the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is the first crucial step towards military hardware acquisition.
The Navy Chief also spoke about the strategic significance of INS Arighaat, the nation’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, which was recently commissioned. This submarine enhances India’s nuclear triad capabilities, enabling the country to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. The third ballistic missile submarine, designated Aridaman (S-4), is expected to join the fleet next year, along with another submarine currently under development.
In accordance with national security strategies, India successfully tested the K-4 nuclear-capable missile with a range of 3,500 kilometers from INS Arighaat. As the Navy continues to monitor maritime activities, the emphasis remains on the increasing power stakes in the Indian Ocean, particularly from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and associated vessels. The Navy is cognizant of Pakistan’s ambitions to grow its naval fleet to 50 ships, which raises further concerns over regional stability.
As India gears up for Navy Day celebrations, which commemorate Operation Trident from the 1971 war with Pakistan, President Droupadi Murmu is set to be the chief guest at the upcoming ceremony in Puri, Odisha. The ongoing developments in naval capabilities and strategic partnerships signal India’s commitment to maintaining robust defense readiness and ensuring maritime security in an increasingly complex regional landscape.
