The Indian Navy is setting ambitious goals for the future, with plans to expand its fleet to over 200 ships by 2035 and achieve approximately 90 percent indigenisation. This vision was articulated by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, who currently serves as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. During his keynote address at THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2024 held in Chennai, Pendharkar emphasized the Navy’s aspiration to be completely self-reliant—termed “Aatma Nirbhar”—by the year 2047.

Reflecting on the Navy’s growth since India’s independence, Pendharkar highlighted a significant increase from a modest fleet of just 35 ships to approximately 130 operational vessels today, supported by two capable fleets. He observed how the post-9/11 era has transformed maritime security priorities, focusing on anti-piracy efforts and collaborative missions with regional navies. The Vice Admiral noted that since 2015, enhancements in the Navy’s capabilities have increased by around 20 percent, reinforcing its strategic role in securing India’s maritime interests.

He pointed to a paradigm shift in India’s maritime policy from “look east” to “act east,” indicating an expansion of operational areas reaching as far as the Gulf of Guinea on the western coast and the Pacific Ocean to the east. This broadening of interests includes the Southern Ocean for surveillance, joint exercises, and combating piracy.

Pendharkar underscored the Navy’s crucial function amidst the growing significance of maritime trade and transportation, emphasizing that 95 percent of India’s trade by volume and 70 percent of its energy needs transit through the Indian Ocean. This places the Navy at the forefront of national security efforts concerning the nation’s strategic well-being.

Looking ahead, he predicted that India’s ocean economy could surpass one trillion dollars by 2025. This growth, he argued, would significantly impact job creation, boost exports, enhance food security, and uplift coastal communities. To harness this potential, he called for the modernization and development of the shipbuilding industry and trans-shipment hubs, leveraging India’s lengthy 7,500-kilometer coastline to elevate the country’s status as a maritime power.

During the conclave, Pendharkar also reflected on India’s rich maritime heritage, tracing it back to ancient texts that reference naval trade and exploration. He cited the Rig Veda, which dates back to approximately 1500 BC, as a foundational document that establishes the significance of maritime activities in Indian culture, from which the Indian Navy’s motto ‘Sham no Varunah’ is derived.

The Vice Admiral also acknowledged the historic contributions of various Indian kingdoms and dynasties to the maritime industry, which once played a pivotal role in India’s GDP during the 16th century. However, he noted that the decline began with colonial rule. By taking lessons from its past, Pendharkar is optimistic about India’s potential to reclaim its maritime supremacy.

On November 5, 2024, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Kolkata-based Defence Public Sector Undertaking, marked a significant milestone in naval engineering with the keel laying ceremony of the first two of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being constructed for the Indian Navy. This ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, alongside senior officials from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and GRSE.

The NGOPVs, which represent a new class of larger and more advanced ocean-going patrol vessels, promise to enhance India’s naval capabilities significantly. GRSE officials detailed that these ships will vastly outperform previous models supplied to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, positioned as the most sophisticated vessels of their kind currently developed for the nation’s maritime security forces.

As Mr. Hari, an official from GRSE, highlighted during the ceremony, the contract for the construction of these ships was signed on March 30, 2023. With production already underway, the vessels whose keels were laid have reportedly reached an advanced stage of development. Each NGOPV will measure approximately 113 meters in length and 14.6 meters in width, with a displacement capacity of 3,000 tons. The ships are expected to achieve speeds of up to 23 knots and possess an impressive operational range of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots. The crew complement is designed to include 24 officers and over 100 sailors, ensuring a robust operational capability.

These next-generation warships are designed to undertake a variety of missions, enhancing India’s maritime security framework. Their intended roles will include executing Out of Area Contingency Operations, conducting non-combatant evacuations, convoy operations, anti-piracy initiatives, and counter-infiltration tactics. Additionally, the NGOPVs will also be equipped for anti-poaching efforts, support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and conduct search and rescue missions. They are further poised to function as hospital ships and for communications intelligence (COMINT) operations, alongside providing essential fleet maintenance support.

During the keel laying ceremony, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose expressed national pride in the progress of the Indian navy, remarking, “This is a proud moment for the entire nation… We are the third largest military power in the world,” as he emphasized India’s growing capabilities in the competitive arena of shipbuilding.

In addition to the NGOPV project, GRSE is involved in a diverse array of projects. Currently, the company is working on twelve additional initiatives, which include constructing 17 more warships for the Indian Navy, one warship for the Government of Bangladesh, and a combination of 13 hybrid and one fully electric ferry for West Bengal. Furthermore, an oceanographic research vessel is being developed for the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Among these twelve projects are also an acoustic research vessel, autonomous platforms for DRDO, two export orders directed at Bangladesh, and five multipurpose vessels commissioned by a German client.

The developments at GRSE underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities through advanced shipbuilding technology, setting a clear path towards greater self-reliance in the defence sector.

The Indian Navy held the third edition of its high-level virtual interaction series, known as ‘MAHASAGAR,’ which took place on November 5. This significant forum featured Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, who engaged with prominent leaders from various maritime agencies and naval forces across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Participants included senior representatives from countries such as Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

The focal theme of this edition was ‘Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR.’ This theme underscores the pressing need for enhanced training collaboration among IOR nations to effectively address shared maritime security concerns. The discussions emphasized the importance of quality training and developing skilled manpower as critical factors in building the capacity to combat common threats in these waters.

MAHASAGAR, which translates to “vast ocean” in Hindi, serves as a key initiative by the Indian Navy to foster high-level dialogue and cooperation among maritime leaders. Launched in early 2023, this program has been conducted bi-annually and has received positive responses and acceptance from participating nations. The interactions aim to bolster security and promote regional growth while laying a foundation for collaborative training mechanisms to address maritime challenges.

During this virtual meeting, the participants openly discussed various strategies for capacity building through training partnerships, acknowledging that a concerted approach is essential to navigate the complexities of maritime security in the IOR effectively. The second edition of this interaction series has set a precedent for ongoing dialogue and cooperation among nations that share maritime interests in the region.

In a significant development for air combat technology, China has unveiled its latest stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, at the Zhuhai Airshow amidst rising geopolitical tensions with the United States and India. The J-35A is characterized as a fifth-generation fighter, presenting itself as a direct competitor to the American F-35, and it is touted to feature advanced stealth technology that renders it nearly invisible to radar systems. This capability is expected to enhance its operational effectiveness in enemy territories.

The introduction of the J-35A by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force underscores China’s ambition to strengthen its military aviation capabilities. According to Colonel Niu Wenbo of the Chinese Air Force, the J-35A is a versatile medium-sized fighter equipped to perform multiple roles, suggesting it can handle a variety of combat missions.

Notably, the fighter jet has attracted interest from Pakistan, which has confirmed its purchase of the J-35A. Reports indicate that supply is set to begin soon, and Pakistani pilots are already undergoing training for operation of the new aircraft. This partnership between China and Pakistan in developing their air force capabilities poses a strategic concern for India, especially given the ongoing hostilities in the region.

In contrast, India’s efforts to bolster its own air force face significant obstacles. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently awaiting the new version of its indigenous Tejas fighter jet, a fourth-generation aircraft that lacks the stealth technology found in its Chinese counterpart. Compounding these delays, US company GE has indicated that it will not be able to provide engines for the upgraded Tejas until 2025, leaving India’s aerial defense capabilities in a vulnerable position while China continues to enhance its military assets.

While India grapples with the stagnation of its Tejas program, China is rapidly advancing its aerospace technology. The upcoming Zhuhai Airshow, set to run from November 12 to 17, will further showcase military aviation developments, including the participation of Russia’s Sukhoi-57 fighter jet. Despite the lack of comprehensive details about the J-35A’s induction status into the Chinese Air Force, its unveiling has sparked discussions among defense analysts and on social media platforms in China.

Experts assert that the J-35A represents China’s strategic response to the ongoing American influence in global air combat technology. Unlike the F-35, which boasts vertical take-off and landing capabilities, the J-35A does not possess such features, highlighting different operational philosophies between the two nations’ fighter designs.

As the military landscapes of China and Pakistan evolve with the integration of advanced stealth fighter jets, the implications for regional security and air dominance become increasingly complex, underscoring an urgent need for India to accelerate its modernization efforts in the face of looming threats.

In a tragic incident in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday evening, an Army personnel lost his life, while another sustained injuries after their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge near Badog village in Kalakote. Officials reported that the accident involved Naik Badri Lal and Sepoy Jai Prakash, who were critically injured and subsequently rescued by emergency responders. Despite the efforts to save him, Naik Badri Lal succumbed to his injuries, while Sepoy Jai Prakash was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.

This accident comes on the heels of another devastating mishap that occurred earlier on November 2 in the Reasi district, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a mother and her 10-month-old son. The family was traveling in a private car from their Malikote village to Chassana when the driver lost control on a hilly road, leading to the vehicle plunging into a deep gorge at Chamalu Morh. The victims included Kulcha Devi, aged 27, her infant son Neeraj Singh, and her 23-year-old nephew Sandhoor Singh, all of whom died at the scene.

The family members who survived the crash—Devi’s husband Chankaar Singh, aged 32, her brother-in-law Dhunkar, aged 19, and 18-year-old nephew Ajay Singh—were rescued by local volunteers and transported to a nearby hospital, where they were reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding both accidents, which have once again highlighted the dangers associated with travel in the region’s challenging terrain.

These incidents come amidst ongoing discussions in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, where heated debates have arisen regarding local governance and recent political changes, further highlighting the complex and often perilous context within which these tragic events unfold.

In a significant move towards enhancing data security within its ranks, the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Indian Air Force are reportedly preparing to terminate their contracts with ride-hailing service Uber. Sources indicate that the primary driver behind this decision revolves around concerns regarding “data access,” particularly related to sensitive information regarding the family members of military personnel.

The agreement originally formed with Uber aimed to provide affordable transportation options for families of service members. However, rising apprehensions about data privacy have cast doubt on the suitability of such arrangements. The potential risk lies in the fact that personal information linked to military families could be exposed to unauthorized access, leading to fears of hacks that might compromise secure data.

Officials within the defence establishment have acknowledged the need for scrutiny concerning these security issues, fostering discussions about the balance between constructive criticism and maintaining a respectful dialogue on sensitive matters. This comes in light of various social media posts questioning the partnership with Uber and its implications on data privacy.

With India currently ramping up its efforts around data privacy legislation, concerns about data theft and its subsequent security implications remain a top priority. The potential risks associated with third-party data access highlight a pressing need for defense organizations to reassess their partnerships and prioritize the safeguarding of personal information related to their personnel.

As discussions evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that the safety and privacy of military families are uncompromised while balancing the logistics of transportation services that can provide them with cost-effective options.

An Indian Air Force helicopter encountered a technical glitch on Wednesday, leading to an emergency landing in the Merta area of Nagaur, Rajasthan. The incident took place in farm fields in Jasnagar, where the helicopter landed safely without any reported injuries or fatalities.

According to local police, the helicopter was part of a duo flying from Jodhpur to Jaipur when one of the pilots noticed issues that necessitated an immediate landing. Following the emergency landing, an expert team from the Indian Air Force arrived at the scene to address the technical fault. After a thorough inspection and subsequent rectification of the issue, the helicopter was able to take off again.

Defence officials confirmed that the airborne malfunction occurred during a routine training exercise and was categorized as a minor glitch. The occupants of the helicopter, including Wing Commander Pal Singh, were reported to be unharmed, and the aircraft was secured upon its landing. The local administration extended its full support throughout the incident.

Witnesses in the vicinity noted that two IAF helicopters were in the area, with one successfully continuing its journey while the other had to land due to the reported technical complications. Following the emergency landing, a substantial crowd of locals gathered around the aircraft, drawn by curiosity over the unusual occurrence.

In a significant move towards modernizing its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army has conducted extensive testing of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Bharat Forge has emerged as the lowest bidder for a substantial Rs 7,000 crore contract for these advanced systems, showcasing a competitive edge over other bidders in the crucial defense procurement sector.

The allocation of the contract is expected to be distributed between Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), reflecting a strategic partnership in the development of these indigenously designed artillery guns. Official sources reveal that the distribution may follow a 60:40 ratio, with Bharat Forge taking the larger share. This arrangement paves the way for TASL to potentially secure 40% of the order by matching the prices quoted by their competitor.

The ATAGS, which are designed to replace the older Bofors 155 mm artillery systems currently in service, have undergone rigorous performance evaluations by the Indian Army across diverse terrains. These evaluations included extensive firing exercises in challenging environments, such as desert conditions and high-altitude regions in Sikkim, where the artillery systems were tested at elevations over 13,000 feet and in extreme cold, confirming their operational readiness for deployment.

The ATAGS have also garnered international interest, with successful exports to countries like Armenia, highlighting their effectiveness and reliability on the global stage. The commercial bids for a total of 307 guns were opened recently, with Bharat Forge standing out as the leading contender.

In conjunction with the ATAGS procurement, the Indian Army has initiated a tender for next-generation artillery guns, targeting domestic design, development, and manufacturing. The initial requirement for this new acquisition is set at 400 systems, with the possibility of increased orders as older equipment reaches the end of its lifecycle.

This new phase of artillery system procurement has attracted considerable interest from private defense manufacturers, who have invested heavily in artillery development. Larsen & Toubro, known for previously delivering K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns, is expected to be a formidable challenger in the ongoing bids, alongside Bharat Forge and TASL.

The anticipated new guns will feature a 155mm/52 caliber, which promises enhanced mobility and versatility compared to existing artillery systems, marking a significant advancement in the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities.