The Indian Navy is set to enhance its maritime capabilities . By 2036-37, it plans to commission its first fully indigenously designed nuclear attack submarine (SSN). This announcement comes as part of a broader strategy to modernise and expand India’s naval fleet. The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the initial two SSNs, marking a very important moment in India’s defence initiatives.
Background of Submarine Development
India’s submarine programme began over 30 years ago. Initially, the goal was to induct 24 conventional submarines by 2030. However, only five have been commissioned to date. The sixth Scorpene submarine is expected to join the fleet soon under Project 75. The delay in the submarine programme has prompted recent adjustments to the original plans.
Indigenous Design and Development
The Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, emphasised that the design of the SSNs will be entirely indigenous. This approach is intended to boost domestic capabilities and confidence in the Indian defence industry. The move is seen as step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Future Submarine Projects
The Indian Navy will build six SSNs as part of its future submarine projects. These will complement the existing nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) which operate under the Strategic Forces Command. The approval for these SSNs indicates a shift in focus towards enhancing underwater combat capabilities.
Current Naval Expansion Efforts
Currently, 62 ships and a submarine are under construction in India. This effort is part of a strategic push to strengthen naval power. The Navy aims to induct at least one new ship every month. Additionally, a deal for three more Scorpene submarines is expected to be signed soon, alongside a contract for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets.
Strategic Implications
The development of indigenous nuclear attack submarines has strategic implications. It enhances India’s deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. The move also reflects India’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defence and its aspiration to play a more prominent role in regional security dynamics.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimistic timeline, challenges remain. The complexity of submarine design and construction can lead to unforeseen delays. Moreover, maintaining operational readiness and integrating new technologies will be critical for the success of the programme.
Conclusion
The Indian Navy’s plans for nuclear attack submarines represent a transformative phase in its operational capabilities. With a focus on indigenous production and strategic expansion, the Navy is poised to strengthen India’s maritime posture .
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the significance of indigenous submarine development for India’s national security.
- Critically discuss the implications of India’s nuclear attack submarines on regional maritime security.
- Estimate the challenges faced by the Indian Navy in achieving its submarine induction targets.
- Point out the strategic benefits of the Indian Navy’s focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the significance of indigenous submarine development for India’s national security.
- Enhances self-reliance in defence, reducing dependency on foreign technology.
- Boosts domestic industry and creates jobs, encouraging economic growth.
- Improves operational capabilities of the Navy, ensuring maritime security.
- Enables tailored designs that meet specific national security needs.
- Strengthens deterrence against regional threats, enhancing strategic stability.
2. Critically discuss the implications of India’s nuclear attack submarines on regional maritime security.
- Increases India’s deterrence posture, potentially altering the balance of power.
- May provoke regional rivals to enhance their own naval capabilities.
- Facilitates greater power projection in the Indian Ocean region.
- Enhances surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
- Could escalate naval arms race, impacting regional stability.
3. Estimate the challenges faced by the Indian Navy in achieving its submarine induction targets.
- Complexity of submarine design and construction may cause delays.
- Need for skilled workforce and technology transfer from foreign partners.
- Budget constraints affecting the timely execution of projects.
- Integration of advanced technologies into existing platforms is challenging.
- Maintenance of operational readiness amidst evolving threats is critical.
4. Point out the strategic benefits of the Indian Navy’s focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Reduces vulnerability to external supply chain disruptions.
- Enhances national sovereignty over defence capabilities.
- Encourages innovation and technology development within the country.
- Promotes long-term cost savings by minimizing imports.
- Strengthens partnerships with domestic industries, boosting the economy.
