SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is set to bolster its underwater capabilities with plans to equip three additional Enhanced Scorpene-class submarines with advanced submarine-launched missiles and integrate them with unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These submarines will be procured from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under Project-75, showcasing a significant step forward in India’s naval strategy and technological integration.
The Enhanced Scorpène-class submarines, an iteration of the Kalvari-class already in service, are designed to offer superior stealth, endurance, and combat capabilities. The introduction of submarine-launched missiles marks a strategic enhancement, providing the Indian Navy with greater tactical flexibility and the ability to engage surface and land targets from underwater, thereby extending the reach and impact of naval operations.
The integration of UUVs with these submarines opens up new avenues for naval warfare and surveillance. UUVs can perform a variety of missions, from mine detection and countermeasures to reconnaissance and gathering oceanographic data. This integration not only enhances the submarines’ operational envelope but also aligns with the global trend towards autonomous systems in military applications, providing a stealthy, persistent presence without risking human lives.
This development is part of India’s broader initiative to modernize its naval forces amid growing regional security challenges. The decision to procure these submarines from MDL underscores the Indian government’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting indigenous defence manufacturing. By equipping these submarines with cutting-edge technology, the Indian Navy aims to maintain a technological edge in the increasingly contested waters of the Indian Ocean Region.
The Scorpene submarines, originally designed by France’s Naval Group, have been adapted for Indian requirements, with significant indigenization in terms of both hardware and software. The addition of missile capabilities and UUVs will further tailor these submarines to meet specific strategic needs, including anti-ship warfare, land-attack capabilities, and enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Industry experts and defence analysts have noted that this move will significantly upgrade the Indian Navy’s submarine warfare capabilities. The integration of missile systems, particularly, will allow for a more dynamic response to threats, with the ability to launch strikes from distances previously not possible with the existing fleet.
Moreover, the use of UUVs in conjunction with manned submarines introduces a layer of complexity to naval operations, potentially allowing for coordinated attacks, extended surveillance, or even the deployment of UUVs for mine-laying or clearing operations in advance of a submarine’s approach.
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