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.

In a significant move to bolster India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved five substantial capital acquisition proposals on Tuesday, amounting to over ₹21,772 crore. This strategic decision is aimed at enhancing the country’s preparedness across various domains including maritime, air, and land.

Among the primary approvals is the procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs) for the Indian Navy. These advanced vessels are engineered for low-intensity maritime operations, with vital functions that include coastal surveillance, patrols, and search-and-rescue missions. Importantly, the NWJFACs are set to enhance the Navy’s ability to counter piracy threats, particularly in the waters surrounding India’s island territories, thus ensuring enhanced security for these vulnerable regions.

In addition to the NWJFACs, the DAC has also greenlit the procurement of 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC-1). These high-speed vessels are designed for multiple operational roles, particularly in providing escorts for valuable naval assets such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines.

Turning to the aviation sector, the council has approved the acquisition of an advanced Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) intended for the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. This sophisticated system will incorporate external airborne self-protection jammer pods, next-generation radar warning receivers, and associated equipment, significantly augmenting the operational capabilities of these aircraft.

To enhance coastal security, the DAC has sanctioned the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) M (MR) for the Indian Coast Guard. These helicopters are anticipated to play a crucial role in strengthening coastal surveillance and executing security operations.

Moreover, the council has authorized the overhaul of several critical military assets, including T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP armored vehicles, and the engines of Sukhoi fighter aircraft. This modernization initiative is intended to extend the operational lifespan of these systems, ensuring their preparedness for future combat situations and maintaining their reliability as integral components of India’s strategic defense arsenal.

The comprehensive nature of these acquisitions and upgrades underscores India’s commitment to enhancing defense readiness and adaptability in an increasingly complex security landscape.

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Navy is gearing up for a spectacular display of its capabilities along the sandy shores of Odisha’s Puri coast as part of the Navy Day celebrations on December 4. The event, scheduled to commence at 3:45 PM at the Blue Flag Beach, promises an array of thrilling demonstrations highlighting the Navy’s prowess.

Among the exciting activities planned are intricate maneuvers such as a bomb burst display, a submarine sail past, and a showcase by MARCOS, the Indian Navy’s elite marine commandos. Air demonstrations will include performances by the carrier-based MIG-29K aircraft and MH-60R multi-role helicopters, while naval forces will exhibit their anti-submarine firing capabilities.

One of the main features of the event will be the amphibious demonstration involving all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, aiming to captivate the audience with joint operational capabilities. A range of other activities, including a combat free fall exhibition and a traditional Horn Pipe dance performed by naval personnel, will add to the festivities.

In total, approximately 15 warships and 40 aircraft are set to participate in this historic occasion, which marks the first time Navy Day is being celebrated on the Odisha coast. Noteworthy is the inclusion of battle tanks and other military equipment on Puri beach, signifying a grand display of the nation’s maritime and military strength.

President Droupadi Murmu has graciously accepted the invitation to serve as the chief guest for the event, underscoring the importance of this celebration for both the Indian Navy and the state of Odisha. The Navy is collaborating closely with state officials and local authorities to ensure a seamless experience for spectators, providing designated seating for both locals and tourists to witness the demonstrations firsthand.

To broaden its reach and enhance viewer engagement, the event will also be broadcast live on national television and streamed via the Indian Navy’s official YouTube channel. Additionally, members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly are expected to attend the event, traveling to Puri in specially arranged buses, with the option for legislators to bring their spouses.

This Navy Day celebration not only aims to showcase the Indian Navy’s diverse capabilities but also seeks to enhance maritime awareness and honor India’s rich maritime heritage, fostering a deeper connection between the naval forces and the citizens they serve.

In a significant stride for India’s defense capabilities, the Indian Army has successfully received a shipment of 480 loitering munitions, known as the Nagastra-1, developed by Solar Industries based in Nagpur. This development not only showcases the nation’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities but also marks a pivotal moment in India’s push for greater self-reliance in the defense sector.

The Nagastra-1, which features over 75% indigenous content, underscores India’s advancements in drone warfare technology. This delivery was made possible through an emergency procurement process initiated by the Indian Army, emphasizing the urgency and strategic priority of bolstering defense resources amidst rising threats.

Weighing in at just 9 kg, the Nagastra-1 is a man-portable, fixed-wing electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that excels in both man-in-loop and autonomous flight modes. It can operate effectively within a range of 15 km when piloted manually and extends to 30 km in fully autonomous mode. The UAV has an endurance capacity of 30 minutes, allowing it to perform surveillance as well as precision strike missions. One of its key advantages lies in its electric propulsion system, which grants it a low acoustic signature, enabling undiscovered operations at altitudes exceeding 200 meters—an essential feature for modern combat scenarios.

Equipped with dual surveillance systems for both day and night operations, the Nagastra-1 can carry a 1 kg high-explosive fragmenting warhead, which empowers it to neutralize various soft-skin targets with remarkable accuracy. A standout feature is its parachute recovery mechanism, which allows for the system to be aborted during missions and subsequently recovered for reuse, setting it apart from many similar systems internationally.

This development has significant implications for India’s strategic defense posture, particularly given the increase in drone-related activities along the country’s northern borders. The effectiveness of drones in modern military operations has been profoundly demonstrated in recent conflicts around the world, including in regions like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. India’s experience in these matters reinforces the necessity for homegrown UAV solutions, particularly as domestic expertise in weaponized drone technology currently remains limited.

Following the successful rollout of the Nagastra-1, Solar Industries is now focusing on developing advanced iterations—the Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3—that promise enhanced performance and warhead capacity. Furthermore, the company is committed to creating a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) initiative. This drive is mirrored by other domestic companies pursuing the establishment of indigenous MALE drone capabilities, further signaling a transformative shift in India’s defense procurement approach.

The Indian armed forces are looking to acquire a total of 97 MALE drones, which is expected to considerably augment their surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This aligns with the broader goal of fostering an indigenous drone industry capable of producing efficient UAVs at reduced costs, thereby minimizing dependence on foreign suppliers.

With these initiatives and technological advancements, India is actively positioning itself as a potential leader in autonomous weaponized systems, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing indigenous defense capabilities and reinforcing strategic sovereignty on the global stage. The successful integration of the Nagastra-1 into India’s defense arsenal signals a robust future for domestic innovation in military technology, tailored to meet the unique needs of the nation’s armed forces.

In a remarkable display of military discipline and dedication, 307 Agniveers from the 4th batch graduated from the 14 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) in Subathu, Himachal Pradesh, in a Passing-Out Parade that took place on Tuesday. These young soldiers have pledged their commitment to serving the Indian Republic and are set to join the esteemed ranks of the Gorkha battalions—specifically, the First and Fourth Gorkha Rifles—organizations that boast a commendable legacy of over 200 years characterized by bravery and sacrifice.

The Passing-Out Parade, an event steeped in tradition, was presided over by Brigadier PP Singh, the Commandant of 14 GTC. This ceremony marked the conclusion of an intense 31-week training regimen that encompassed various aspects of military preparation, including physical fitness, battle tactics, field craft, and weapon handling. Brigadier Singh delivered an inspiring address, encouraging the young soldiers to uphold the dignity of the national flag and the esteemed reputation of the Indian Army as they embark on their military careers.

The festivities included an impressive display by the training center’s Pipe Band, as well as an exhilarating physical training demonstration that showcased the discipline and skill of the Agniveers. The event drew an audience of over 350 attendees, comprising current military personnel, veterans, and family members of the graduates, all of whom gathered to celebrate this significant milestone in the young soldiers’ lives.

As these Agniveers prepare to step into their roles within the revered Gorkha battalions, they carry forward a legacy of honor and service, ready to face new challenges in defense of their nation.