The Indian Navy is grappling with notable safety and maintenance challenges in the wake of two critical incidents that have raised alarms about its operational readiness. During the Annual Press Conference of Navy Week 2024, Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh outlined these issues while discussing the recent fate of the INS Brahmaputra, a warship that suffered extensive damage in a fire.

The INS Brahmaputra, a guided-missile frigate with a cost of Rs 6,000 crore, was severely affected by a fire incident on July 21, 2024, while it was undergoing refit operations at the Mumbai naval dockyard. The blaze caused the ship to tilt dangerously to one side and resulted in the tragic loss of junior sailor Sitendra Singh, whose body was recovered three days later. Following the incident, the Western Naval Command confirmed that the damage assessment and initial repairs have been undertaken, with significant milestones reached in the recovery process.

Vice Admiral Singh reported that the ship, referred to as the “Raging Rhino,” has been restored to an upright position as of November 2. An ensign was re-hoisted with honors on November 4, and by November 8, the vessel was placed in dry dock for further repairs. “The first step in getting the ‘Raging Rhino’ back on her feet has been achieved,” he remarked during the press briefing aboard the stealth destroyer INS Mormugao in Mumbai.

Ongoing assessments are critical as the Navy evaluates the extent of damage to the ship’s systems and equipment. “Some equipment may be repairable, while others may not. Some will need to be replaced entirely,” Singh noted, emphasizing that the scope of work will be finalized following a thorough survey of the damage. Despite initial skepticism about the warship’s recoverability, he remains optimistic, declaring that the Brahmaputra would once again lead operational missions in the future.

Commissioned in 2000 and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, the INS Brahmaputra stands as a class leader among the indigenously-built Brahmaputra-class frigates, equipped with advanced weaponry including a range of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, along with sophisticated radar and sonar systems. The fire, which erupted during routine maintenance, has sparked ongoing concerns regarding the maintenance and safety protocols of the Indian Navy.

In a separate incident, the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarine, INS Karanj, collided with a fishing boat off the coast of Goa on November 21, resulting in the tragic death of two fishermen. This incident, occurring 70 nautical miles from the coast, triggered a new evaluation of safety protocols within the Navy. Vice Admiral Singh confirmed that an FIR was filed against the fishing boat’s captain following a complaint, and that a comprehensive search and rescue operation was launched in response to the collision.

The incidents involving the INS Brahmaputra and INS Karanj have reignited scrutiny over the Indian Navy’s safety and maintenance practices, particularly in light of historical concerns. An audit report presented in Parliament in 2017 revealed that the Navy recorded 38 accidents involving ships and submarines between 2007 and 2016. Vice Admiral Singh addressed these challenges head-on, assuring that despite such setbacks, the Navy remains committed to its operational duties. “Accidents and incidents, though we may hope and pray they never happen, shall inevitably occur. However, I can assure you that we shall rise again, get back on our feet, and return to sea when action is required,” he stated.

As the Navy prepares to celebrate Navy Day on December 4—commemorating its impactful role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war—Vice Admiral Singh reiterated the Navy’s determination to maintain maritime security and uphold its operational credibility. The focus remains on both restoring confidence and ensuring the safety and efficacy of India’s naval forces amidst these ongoing challenges.

In a groundbreaking development for the Indian Navy, Commander Prerna Deosthalee has made history by becoming the first woman to command an Indian Navy warship. This remarkable achievement was officially recognized on Navy Day, December 4, 2023, when Commander Deosthalee took charge of INS Trinkat, a fast attack craft based in Goa. The vessel is named after Trinkat Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, signifying a strong connection to India’s maritime heritage.

Commander Deosthalee’s journey to this historic position is rooted in her childhood experiences. Growing up in Colaba, South Mumbai, she was captivated by the sea and surrounded by naval activities, which sparked her interest in pursuing a career in the Navy. Armed with a postgraduate degree in psychology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, she joined the Indian Navy in 2009, propelled by a sense of adventure and a desire to serve her country. Inspired by her brother’s enlistment and her own time as a naval cadet in the NCC, Deosthalee faced challenges, famously persevering through a sailing incident that saw her sailboat capsize multiple times during her initial sailing camp in Goa. This resilience eventually led her to win a gold medal at a sailing competition in Chilka Lake, Odisha.

A pivotal moment in her career occurred while pursuing her MA in Psychology in Kolhapur when the Indian Navy opened observer positions to women for the first time. Encouraged by her father, she seized this rare opportunity, successfully passing the entrance exam and beginning her Navy career in 2009.

Throughout her service, Commander Deosthalee earned significant accolades, including the Indian Navy Videsh Seva Medal in 2012 for her involvement in operations responding to Somali pirate attacks on a Chinese merchant vessel. Today, as the commanding officer of INS Trinkat, she confidently leads an all-male crew, emphasizing that the Navy is a gender-neutral service. “Women are already enrolled for combat duties such as fighter pilots and air operations officers,” she noted. “I was trained and tasked equally as my male counterparts.”

Commander Deosthalee’s groundbreaking accomplishment not only sets a precedent in the naval forces but also serves as an inspirational tale for young women looking to challenge gender norms in various sectors. Her leadership in the Indian Navy stands as a powerful testament to resilience, dedication, and the importance of equal opportunity. As she continues her journey, Deosthalee exemplifies the potential women have to lead and excel, paving the way for future generations to follow her pioneering example.

In a significant address during a gathering held in Puri, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the Indian Navy’s commitment to achieving self-reliance by 2047, highlighting the construction of 63 ships in the country as a testament to this ambition. She articulated the importance of innovation in “Mission Mode” as the Navy pivots towards becoming an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) force, inspiring broader initiatives across various sectors.

During Navy Day celebrations, President Murmu praised the seamless integration of advanced technology, tactical expertise, and courage displayed during an operational demonstration, underscoring the Indian Navy’s evolution into a combat-ready and credible maritime force for the future. She noted India’s geographical advantages, including its long coastline, island territories, seafaring populace, and developed maritime infrastructure, which together have historically spurred maritime activities for over 5,000 years.

Reflecting on India’s rich maritime heritage, Murmu stated, “With a glorious maritime heritage and history to look back upon and a future full of promise to look forward to, India has always been a strong maritime nation.” She expressed confidence that the Indian Navy would continue to bolster maritime security, a critical factor in India’s aspirations to become a developed nation by 2047.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi shared insights into the Indian Navy’s recent achievements, noting its enhanced stature through deployments across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He highlighted the ongoing global circumnavigation expedition of INSV Tarini, which is currently transiting the Southern Ocean as part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II initiative. Admiral Tripathi pointed out that the Indian Navy has maintained a high operational tempo and combat readiness while also engaging bilaterally and multilaterally with various international partners. This approach, he said, reflects India’s commitment to the vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region,” as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Admiral elaborated on the significance of the Operational Demonstration, which aimed to showcase the Navy’s professional capabilities and operational readiness. It included various naval assets such as ships, submarines, aircraft, and marine commandos, in coordination with Indian Army personnel. The event was conducted at the picturesque Blue Flag Beach in Puri, symbolizing a tribute to the Indian Navy’s illustrious predecessors who played pivotal roles in securing victory during the 1971 war, particularly in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

As India moves forward with its maritime ambitions, the Indian Navy stands committed to ensuring security and readiness in an increasingly dynamic global maritime landscape.

The U.S. State Department has given the green light for the sale of additional equipment to India, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R multi-mission helicopters that were procured from the United States. This development follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s (DAC) decision in August to grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of more weapons and equipment to fortify the operational strength of these helicopters.

The procurement of the MH-60R helicopters can be traced back to February 25, 2020, when the United States and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a visit by President Donald Trump to New Delhi. Under this agreement, India is set to purchase 24 Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopters at a total cost of approximately $2.12 billion. These helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The first production model of the MH-60R took to the skies in May 2021 in New York, and the U.S. Navy delivered the initial two helicopters to the Indian Navy at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego in July 2021. In a landmark event in May 2023, an Indian Navy MH-60 helicopter successfully landed on the indigenously designed destroyer INS Kolkata, marking an important milestone in its operational deployment. According to contractual obligations, the first six helicopters were due for delivery by December 2023, with the first of these being commissioned into the Indian Navy as part of the INAS 334 squadron in March at INS Garuda, Kochi. Currently, these helicopters are operating from various Indian naval warships, including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, and have already been involved in several fleet exercises and operations.

The ongoing deliveries are set to culminate with the completion of the 18 remaining helicopters by 2027. Initially, the six helicopters provided to India conform to the standard configuration used by the U.S. Navy, serving primarily for the training of Indian Navy pilots and maintenance personnel. These helicopters come equipped with advanced features, including the APS-153(V) Multi-Mode radar and night-vision capabilities, and are armed with Hellfire missiles and MK-54 torpedoes pertinent to anti-submarine warfare.

The future configuration of the MH-60Rs acquired by the Indian Navy will incorporate enhanced anti-surface vessel warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, additional features that are already integrated by the U.S. Navy but not actively employed. The Indian Navy’s versions will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems such as the AN/AAS-44C(V) multi-spectral targeting systems, night-vision goggles, a range of sonobuoys, and advanced weapons like Raytheon MK 54 torpedoes.

The additional capabilities and equipment to be acquired by the Indian Navy are estimated to amount to a staggering $1.17 billion. This package encompasses various items, including:

– AN/AAS 44C(V) forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems.
– 30 multifunctional information distribution system-joint tactical radio systems (MIDS-JTRS).
– Non-major defense equipment such as advanced data transfer systems, external fuel tanks, support and test equipment, munitions, communication equipment, and a plethora of training resources.

Twenty U.S. Government representatives or up to twenty-five contractor personnel will be deployed temporarily to provide India with necessary technical support and management oversight linked to this comprehensive support package.

The MIDS-JTRS offers secure, high-capacity communications that enable real-time voice and data exchanges between military platforms. This system is pivotal for combat scenarios, establishing robust and secure connections that support situational awareness and operational coordination among various military assets. By utilizing MIDS-JTRS, the MH-60R helicopters can share critical information with surface ships and command centers, thus enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.

In anti-submarine warfare missions, for instance, the MH-60R can deploy sonobuoys and utilize data-sharing capabilities through MIDS-JTRS to coordinate actions with other military forces. The compatibility of the MH-60R with P-8I aircraft enhances the navy’s surveillance abilities, allowing for a consolidated approach in tracking and engaging threats in maritime operations.

With the ongoing acquisition and integration of these advanced assets, the total expenditure for the Indian Navy’s acquisition of the 24 MH-60R helicopters has now surpassed $3.8 billion. This investment is a testament to India’s commitment to developing a formidable anti-submarine warfare capability, complemented by the long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the P-8I aircraft.