In a recent statement, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi highlighted India’s vigilance regarding the expanding capabilities of the Pakistan Navy, which he attributed to support from China. During a press conference, Admiral Tripathi expressed that India is “closely monitoring” activities involving the Pakistan Navy, particularly in the context of growing influence from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Admiral Tripathi noted that as many as 62 ships and one submarine are currently being constructed in Pakistan, a move aimed at enhancing its naval prowess. He remarked on China’s involvement in bolstering Pakistan’s maritime power, emphasizing that this collaboration indicates Beijing’s interest in strengthening Islamabad’s military capabilities. According to Admiral Tripathi, the construction of eight new submarines, which he described as possessing significant combat potential, reflects this strategic partnership. He reassured that India remains fully aware of the capabilities of these new assets and is adapting its own strategies to address potential threats from neighboring forces.

The Admiral characterized the growth of the Pakistan Navy as “surprising,” revealing its ambition to develop into a fleet consisting of 50 ships. He criticized this focus on military expansion, asserting that it has come at the expense of the welfare of the Pakistani people.

In addition to addressing regional security concerns, Admiral Tripathi announced India’s plans to finalize agreements for the acquisition of 26 naval Rafale fighter aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines by January. He confirmed that governmental approval has been secured for the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), with an operational target of eventually having six such vessels. The timeline for the first SSN’s completion is projected for 2036-37, followed by the second expected to be finished in 2038-39.

On the progress of the Rafale Marine project, Admiral Tripathi indicated that negotiations are at an advanced stage, nearing the final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. He expressed optimism that if not within this month, then certainly by the next, both the submarine and Rafale-M deals would be finalized. The acquisition of Rafale-M jets from France, initially sanctioned by the defence ministry in July 2022, is particularly significant as it is intended for operations from the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, has officially attained full operational status following the successful completion of its final operational clearance earlier this year. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, announced this significant milestone during a media interaction aboard the naval ship INS Shardul in Kochi on December 2.

Vice Admiral Srinivas stated that the completion of various trials and the integration with the fleet mark a new era for the aircraft carrier. “INS Vikrant is now fully operational and is serving under the Western Fleet,” he confirmed. He described the carrier as a source of national pride for both the country and the Navy, emphasizing its robust capability to undertake all operational commitments expected of the Indian Navy.

Commissioned in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, INS Vikrant is strategically stationed within the Western Naval Command, ready to conduct an array of naval assignments. The design of the carrier is a product of the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, and it was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking a significant achievement as the largest ship ever constructed in India’s naval history.

The aircraft carrier is equipped with cutting-edge automation technologies and features approximately 2,200 compartments, which can accommodate a crew of around 1,600 personnel, inclusive of women officers and sailors. Furthermore, INS Vikrant is designed to operate a diverse array of air assets, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, as well as indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) tailored for naval operations.

This development underscores India’s growing capabilities in indigenous maritime defense and reflects the nation’s commitment to enhancing its naval strength and operational readiness on the global stage.

In a significant briefing on Monday, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi provided an update on the Navy’s strategic developments and regional security dynamics. Speaking at the annual Navy Day press conference, Admiral Tripathi emphasized the Indian Navy’s vigilance over the activities of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the geopolitical tensions that define current maritime security.

” We are keeping a close watch on the extra-regional forces operating in the Indian sea, including the PLA Navy, the warships, and their research vessels. We know what they are doing and where they are,” the Admiral stated, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s commitment to monitoring and safeguarding national interests amid escalating Chinese naval operations.

In addition to its surveillance efforts, Admiral Tripathi announced the Indian Navy’s anticipation of finalizing a substantial acquisition deal valued at Rs 90,000 crore for 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft and the procurement of three additional Scorpene-class submarines. These discussions are underway with France, with the expectation that the agreements will be solidified by next month. The proposed three submarines will enhance the existing fleet of six Scorpene-class submarines manufactured by Mazagon Dockyards Limited, aligning with the broader Project 75 India initiative aimed at bolstering indigenous submarine capabilities.

Highlighting China’s ambitions, Admiral Tripathi commented on the broader implications of Chinese naval expansion. He referenced literature describing China’s long-term strategies, such as the book “The Hundred Year Marathon,” which outlines China’s aspirations to emerge as a dominant global power. The Admiral cautioned that while China’s naval presence is notably increasing in the Pacific, the Indian Navy’s focus remains steadfast on ensuring the security of India’s maritime interests within the Indian Ocean.

In terms of operational success, Admiral Tripathi reported a significant achievement with the successful launch of a nuclear-capable missile from the INS Arighaat, marking a critical milestone in enhancing the operational readiness and deterrence capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Overall, these developments underscore the Indian Navy’s commitment to national defense, technological advancement, and strategic vigilance in an increasingly complex regional security landscape.

Navy Day, celebrated annually on December 4 since 1972, marks a significant moment in India’s maritime history, honoring the Indian Navy’s triumphs during the 1971 war with Pakistan. On this day, the Indian Navy executed a daring missile boat strike on Karachi, inflicting considerable damage to the Pakistan Navy and setting a precedent for naval operations in the region.

As this Navy Day approaches, there is rising concern over the rapid modernization of Pakistan’s navy, significantly aided by its partnership with China. The ambition of Pakistan to develop a formidable naval fleet of 50 ships, along with enhanced underwater and surface combat capabilities, poses new challenges to the maritime balance in South Asia.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi addressed these concerns on December 2, emphasizing the alarming growth of the Pakistan Navy, which seeks to augment its capabilities with advanced weaponry despite prioritizing military expenditures over societal welfare. He highlighted that Pakistan is bolstering its naval strength with comprehensive support from China, including the procurement of eight new submarines, which exhibit notable combat potential.

In 2015, Pakistan formalized a $5 billion agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines, which are an export variant of the Type 039A/041 Yuan-class submarines boasting air-independent propulsion. This arrangement includes the construction of four submarines in China, with subsequent assembly of the remaining vessels occurring at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW). The launch of the first submarine in April this year marked a significant milestone in Beijing’s pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan’s maritime capabilities.

Furthermore, Pakistan is set to receive two additional Type 054 A/P frigates from China. These frigates come equipped with sophisticated systems, such as the HHQ-16 surface-to-air missiles and CM-401 supersonic anti-ship missiles, which significantly bolster Pakistan’s surface-combat prowess. In addition, the conversion of two Embraer Lineage 1000 jets into maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry, further expands Pakistan’s surveillance and strike capabilities.

Experts suggest that China’s proactive involvement in the naval modernization of Pakistan is part of a broader strategy aimed at countering India’s influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The acquisition of the Hangor-class submarines and advanced frigates is seen as a step towards enhancing Pakistan’s operational capabilities in contested waters, thereby posing a potential challenge to India’s longstanding naval superiority.

With concerns mounting regarding the stealth capabilities of the Hangor-class submarines, Indian naval strategists are revising their operational doctrines to counter emerging threats from the region. In response to Pakistan’s military advancements, the Indian Navy is prioritizing its indigenous shipbuilding programs, fast-tracking innovative projects, including the P-75I submarines, equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion technology, as well as commissioning new surface combatants like the Vishakhapatnam-class destroyers and Nilgiri-class frigates.

Currently, a substantial number of vessels, including 62 ships and one submarine, are under construction in India, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities. Admiral Tripathi confirmed that several platforms are set to be inducted into the Navy in the coming year, with focused efforts being made to integrate niche technologies into the force.

These developments take place amid growing global interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Key partners such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, who form part of the Quad, are increasingly collaborating with India to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. Joint maritime exercises, like the Malabar exercises, are integral to these partnerships, fostering interoperability and enhancing collective capabilities to counter Chinese assertiveness.

While the Indian Navy continues to be the dominant maritime force in South Asia, Pakistan’s accelerated naval build-up, with Chinese backing, signals a formidable challenge to India’s regional supremacy. As Navy Day approaches, this historical celebration not only reflects on past victories but also underscores the importance of adapting to evolving maritime challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

The Ministry of Defence has officially inked a deal with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of the INS Vikramaditya, with a total investment of Rs. 1207.5 crores. This contract, signed on November 30, 2024, marks a significant investment in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.

INS Vikramaditya, a flagship aircraft carrier, was commissioned into service in November 2013 and has since played a pivotal role in bolstering the naval strength of India. The forthcoming refit is expected to upgrade the vessel’s combat capabilities, ensuring it remains a crucial asset in the Indian Navy’s active fleet upon completion.

This SRDD project is not only vital for the operational readiness of the INS Vikramaditya but also serves to strengthen Cochin Shipyard Limited’s position as a leading Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub. By involving around 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities for more than 3,500 individuals, thus contributing significantly to the local economy.

Moreover, the initiative aligns with the Government of India’s overarching goals of promoting self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. By focusing on domestic capabilities and the involvement of local industries, this project stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering an independent and robust industrial ecosystem. As the refit progresses, it will not only enhance the naval fleet but also pave the way for greater collaboration between the defence sector and local businesses, generating sustained economic growth and innovation.

In a recent address, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi emphasized India’s vigilant approach towards the naval activities of neighboring countries, particularly highlighting the increasing capabilities of the Pakistan Navy, which is reportedly receiving substantial support from China. Admiral Tripathi acknowledged the “surprising growth” of the Pakistan Navy, noting their ambitious plan to expand to a fleet of 62 ships and one submarine, a development that he described as concerning.

During his remarks, he reinforced that the Indian Navy is actively monitoring not just the activities of the Pakistan Navy but also those of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. “We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces, including the PLA Navy, their warships, and their research vessels, and know what they are doing and where they are,” he stated. His comments reflect a broader concern over China’s military partnership with Pakistan, which he indicated is aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s maritime power.

Admiral Tripathi highlighted that the collaboration between China and Pakistan on naval capabilities includes the construction of multiple warships and submarines, with particular emphasis on the delivery of eight new submarines that could enhance the combat abilities of the Pakistan Navy. Despite this, he assured that India remains fully aware of the capabilities of these naval developments and is adapting its strategies accordingly. “That is why we are tweaking our concepts to be able to tackle all threats from our neighbours,” he said.

Further commenting on Pakistan’s military focus, Admiral Tripathi remarked, “They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people,” implying that the resources allocated to military enhancement come at the cost of the nation’s social and economic development.

In addition to addressing regional threats, Admiral Tripathi shared key updates on India’s own naval advancements. He confirmed plans to finalize agreements for the acquisition of 26 naval Rafale fighter aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines by January. The government has also approved the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines, with aspirations to have a total of six SSNs operational in the future. The first of these submarines is projected to be completed by 2036-37, followed by the second in 2038-39.

He expressed optimism regarding the procurement of Rafale-M jets from France, indicating that negotiations are in their final stages. He mentioned that the process is nearing a point where it could soon be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval. The Rafale-M jets are intended primarily for operations from India’s domestically manufactured aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

Admiral Tripathi anticipates that, barring any unforeseen delays, the agreements for both the Scorpene submarines and Rafale-M projects could be signed either by the end of this month or the next, solidifying India’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the region.