India is poised to finalize crucial defense agreements with France by January 2025, moving forward with the procurement of 26 new Rafale-M fighter jets and the construction of three additional Scorpene-class submarines. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced this significant development during a media briefing ahead of Navy Day. He indicated that negotiations for the aircraft deal are in advanced stages and now await approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Emphasizing the importance of enhancing naval capabilities, Admiral Tripathi stated, “Both deals should be signed by next month.” The fighter jets are intended to operate from India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, with the acquisition expected to cost around ₹50,000 crore. This procurement serves as an interim solution to fulfill the navy’s immediate operational needs while India develops its own twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF), slated for its maiden flight in 2026.
In addition to the Rafale-M jets, the Indian government is also pursuing the construction of more Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. This initiative reflects India’s strategic response to increasing maritime challenges, particularly posed by China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Admiral Tripathi highlighted that a total of 62 warships and a diesel-electric submarine are currently under construction at various Indian shipyards. The government has recently approved a project for the indigenous construction of two nuclear-powered submarines, signifying a commitment to bolster India’s underwater capabilities. The first of these submarines is anticipated to be completed by 2036-37, with the second expected two years later. The plan includes a goal to deploy six nuclear-powered submarines to enhance deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
The navy chief further disclosed that India has received an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the defense ministry for 31 ships and submarines, all to be manufactured domestically. This includes plans for seven stealth frigates under Project-17B and six modern diesel-electric submarines under Project-75(I).
During the press conference, Admiral Tripathi also underscored the Indian Navy’s vigilant monitoring of extraregional forces operating in the Indian Ocean, particularly noting the presence of Chinese naval units and the ongoing construction of several Pakistani warships with Chinese support. He remarked, “We know who is doing what and where,” reflecting the navy’s awareness of the regional security dynamics.
India commemorates Navy Day on December 4 each year, marking the anniversary of Operation Trident, a significant naval operation against Karachi during the 1971 war with Pakistan. This year, the celebrations will be highlighted by the presence of President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest at the function in Puri, Odisha.
As the Indian Navy prepares for these enhancements, it aims to reinforce its role in maintaining a rules-based maritime order in the region, safeguarding national interests against evolving security challenges.
