INDIAN NAVY
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Dr. Mansoor Ahmed, an Honorary Lecturer at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre of Australian National University, recently discussed India’s nuclear strategic goals on World Echo News with host Syed Muhammad Ali. Dr. Ahmed emphasized India’s growing commitment to bolstering its sea-based nuclear deterrent through an extensive fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). He suggested that the Indian Navy would likely need an arsenal of around 300 nuclear warheads exclusively for its SSBN fleet by 2035 to establish a credible deterrent.
India currently operates two Arihant-class SSBNs and has two more advanced S4-class SSBNs nearing operational status. The next generation, the S5 class, is expected to consist of three more SSBNs, ultimately expanding the fleet to a formidable six nuclear-capable submarines. The addition of these submarines underscores India’s focus on strengthening its nuclear deterrent with a credible second-strike capability, which will play a vital role in its broader defense strategy.
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Veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan has reported that Russia has once again extended an offer to India for its heavy bomber aircraft, the Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 “White Swan.” The Soviet-designed Tu-22M3 was previously proposed for the Indian Navy nearly two decades ago. However, high leasing costs and modernization expenses kept the deal from finalizing. Now, with the potential addition of the Tu-160M, a modernized, highly capable strategic bomber, Russia seeks to provide India with aircraft that could enhance its long-range strike capabilities.
Russia’s renewed offer includes the Tu-160M, a modernized version of the iconic Tu-160 “White Swan.” Unlike the Tu-22M3, the Tu-160M is still in production under a 2018 contract that calls for 10 units to be delivered to the Russian Air Force by 2027. These upgraded models come with extensive avionics and navigation enhancements, and Tupolev, the manufacturer, claims the modernized Tu-160M is 60% more effective than its predecessor. Each Tu-160M, priced at around $163 million, is equipped to carry up to 12 long-range cruise missiles or short-range nuclear missiles, giving it significant reach and flexibility.
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The Indian Navy is set to embark on a significant milestone with the first test flight of the Utility Helicopters-Maritime (UHM), an optimized variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv. Scheduled for May 2025, this test flight represents a crucial step in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s aviation fleet. Sources indicate that the build process for the test aircraft is currently underway, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) rigorously testing and certifying various systems on a separate test helicopter.
While the UHM is based on the proven design of the ALH Dhruv, officials have emphasized that extensive modifications and structural changes are being implemented, making the UHM akin to the development of a new helicopter. This innovative approach ensures that the UHM will meet the specific operational requirements of the Indian Navy, particularly in maritime environments.
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Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) recently showcased a model of a submarine it is offering to the Indian Navy, which bears a strong resemblance to the Type 212CD currently under development for Germany and Norway. However, TKMS has not confirmed if this submarine is indeed the Type 212CD or a variant specifically tailored for India.
The model’s striking resemblance to the Type 212CD raises curiosity, particularly due to its faceted outer hull, a radical stealth design that represents a significant departure from previous submarine designs. Despite the visual similarities, insiders from TKMS suggest idrw.org that while the exterior mirrors the cutting-edge 212CD, the internal systems will be based on the older Type 214 submarine platform, combined with a new Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system that is still under development.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) continues its efforts to convince the Indian Navy to acquire Naval LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) platforms. In September 2024, the DRDO chief reiterated the organization’s push for an order of 8-10 Naval LCA aircraft, initially intended for pilot training.
However, the Indian Navy reportedly has broader ambitions for the Naval LCA, envisioning roles beyond pilot training for its aircraft carrier operations. This aligns with the Aeronautical Development Agency’s (ADA) plans to showcase the Naval LCA’s potential for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is pushing the boundaries of missile technology with the proposed Hypersonic Missile Development Program under Project Vishnu. As part of this initiative, DRDO has set its sights on developing two long-range hypersonic missile systems. One of the most anticipated outcomes is the creation of the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM), designed to revolutionize India’s strike capabilities and offer a formidable deterrent.
The Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) will have a range of 1,000 km, and DRDO aims for it to enter production by the late 2020s. Unlike traditional cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making them nearly impossible to intercept. According to recent developments, DRDO is working to outpace Russia’s 3M22 Zircon, a nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile, by targeting a speed beyond Mach 9 for the Indian HCM.
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India is set to become the first nation to receive 31 Predator drones equipped with two DAP-6 gun pods, each containing the formidable M134D-H rotary machine gun. This upgrade significantly enhances the Predator drones’ firepower, making them more versatile and lethal in combat roles.
The M134 Minigun, an American 7.62×51mm NATO six-barrel rotary machine gun, is known for its exceptionally high rate of fire, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute. With its Gatling-style rotating barrel assembly powered by an external electric motor, the M134D-H is designed for sustained and rapid-fire, providing overwhelming firepower in a short period. The “Mini” in Minigun is a nod to its use of rifle ammunition, in contrast to the larger-calibre autocannon shells, like those of General Electric’s earlier 20mm M61 Vulcan.
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The Indian Navy is ramping up efforts to enhance the stealth capabilities of its warships by focusing on reducing the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of exposed weapons and sensor equipment. In a strategic move to maintain an edge in naval warfare, the Navy has called upon its design teams to work closely with weapon and sensor suppliers to minimize the RCS of equipment mounted on its vessels.
This initiative is part of the Navy’s broader efforts to incorporate advanced stealth features into its warships, particularly those being developed as part of its Made in India campaign. By reducing the detectability of its ships on enemy radar systems, the Navy seeks to significantly enhance the survivability and combat effectiveness of its fleet in modern maritime conflicts.
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India’s nuclear attack submarine program recently received Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval for the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), a critical step forward in strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities. New details, as reported by the Times of India (TOI), suggest that these submarines will have a displacement of nearly 10,000 tons, significantly larger than previously speculated figures of 6,000-7,000 tons.
The increased displacement of India’s nuclear attack submarines places them in the same league as the American Virginia-class submarines, specifically the SSN-774 Block V variant, which displaces around 10,200 tons. This would make India’s SSNs comparable to some of the most advanced nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) in the world in terms of size and potential capability.
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The exit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2021 paved the way for ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to make a strong comeback in India’s prestigious P75I submarine project.
During Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure as Chancellor, TKMS, despite being a frontrunner for India’s P75I submarine project, faced several obstacles. These challenges included stringent export controls and high demands for technology transfer (ToT) from the Indian Navy. TKMS raised concerns that some of the requirements, such as the high indigenous content percentage and almost unlimited liability for the foreign technology partner, were nearly impossible to meet.
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India’s quest for self-reliance in underwater warfare takes a significant leap forward with Project-76, a program aimed at developing next-generation, indigenous submarines equipped with a Vertical Launching System (VLS). This marks a major advancement in Indian naval capabilities, offering the potential to launch long-range land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles, significantly enhancing offensive and defensive capabilities.
Project-76 submarines are being designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) with a targeted displacement of 3,000 tons. This design choice offers greater submerged volume compared to previous classes, allowing for advanced features and increased operational flexibility.
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The competition for India’s prestigious P-75(I) submarine tender has taken an unexpected turn, with Spain’s Navantia challenging the leading position of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany. Navantia has urged the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to decide the winner of the contract based on a price discovery method, rather than relying on the results of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system field evaluation trials (FET). This move could significantly impact the outcome of the tender for six submarines, a contract that is crucial for modernizing the Indian Navy’s underwater fleet.
Price discovery is a method where the market price of an asset is determined through the interaction of buyers and sellers. Navantia’s call for the Indian MoD to prioritize pricing in the decision-making process reflects a belief that they can offer the S-80 Plus submarines at a more competitive cost compared to TKMS. While this could be advantageous for India from a financial perspective, it diverts attention from the technical evaluations, especially the critical AIP systems that would provide submarines with enhanced endurance and stealth capabilities underwater.
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In response to emerging maritime threats and the evolving nature of warfare, the Indian Navy has called on private sector companies to collaborate in developing a Naval-Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV). This initiative is aimed at addressing growing challenges posed by Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities and modern integrated air defense systems at sea. The Navy envisions the N-CCAV to complement its existing combat assets, provide cost-effective strike capabilities, and enhance operational flexibility in contested maritime environments.
In light of these challenges, the Indian Navy has expressed the urgent need to restore its counter-air and air-to-surface capabilities, particularly in the presence of high-end A2/AD threats. To address these gaps, the Navy seeks to develop Collaborative Combat Air Vehicles (CCAV), which will provide the following advantages:
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The induction of INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), has significantly enhanced the country’s nuclear triad. However, naval officials, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, have cautioned that India has yet to establish continuous at-sea deterrence, a strategic capability that ensures at least one SSBN is always on patrol, ready to launch a retaliatory nuclear strike.
The commissioning of INS Aridhaman, the third SSBN in the Arihant class, is expected to be a pivotal moment for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. This submarine, with a 1000-ton additional displacement and codenamed S4, is scheduled to join the Navy in 2025. Aridhaman will allow India to achieve continuous at-sea deterrence, a coveted capability that requires at least one SSBN to be on patrol at all times.
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The Indian Navy is set to award a contract for the local manufacturing of six diesel-electric submarines to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in partnership with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany. The German submarine was selected over competing bids from the Spanish shipyard and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
The Indian Navy was impressed with the German submarine’s performance during field evaluation trials (FET), particularly its Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. The German submarine demonstrated its AIP capabilities during the trials, while the Spanish shipyard’s submarine, which is still under development, is not expected to be operational with AIP until sometime in 2026.
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