INDIAN NAVY
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
After receiving a lukewarm response to the proposed BrahMos-2K Hypersonic cruise missile, BrahMos Aerospace, in partnership with Russia, is revisiting the missile’s technical specifications and pricing structure. The initial response highlighted concerns over the missile’s high developmental and post-production unit costs. As a result, both countries are engaged in technical discussions to refine the missile’s design, ensuring it can offer enhanced capabilities while striving to balance costs.
The BrahMos-2K was intended to be an Indian variant of the Russian 3M22 Zircon, a scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile. Initially, the missile was envisioned to reach speeds of Mach 6, with a range between 800-900 kilometres. However, the missile was not to carry nuclear warheads, positioning it as a conventional offensive weapon for the Indian Armed Forces.
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India’s state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is on the verge of signing a contract to build three Enhanced Scorpène-class submarines for the Indian Navy. These advanced submarines will incorporate cutting-edge Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems and Lithium-ion batteries, significantly increasing their underwater endurance and operational capabilities. The new submarines will also feature higher indigenous content, supporting India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
MDL is planning to leverage this expertise to offer similar upgrades to existing Scorpène-class submarine operators. Countries like Malaysia and Chile, which adopted the Scorpène-class submarines over 20 years ago, are now seeking mid-life upgrades to modernize their fleets. MDL intends to propose these enhancements, once successfully demonstrated on the upcoming Indian Navy submarines.
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In a significant development for India’s naval capabilities, Navy Chief Admiral D.K. Tripathi has confirmed the Navy’s intent to induct a 1,500-km Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM). This advanced weapon system is poised to enhance the Indian Navy’s offensive and defensive posture across the Indo-Pacific region.
The integration of the LRAShM will begin with the Indian Navy’s surface fleet. Warships, with their larger platforms and advanced Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), are more adaptable for housing and deploying hypersonic missiles.
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The Indian Navy is set to enhance its maritime strike capabilities with the integration of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) into its upcoming fleet of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs.
According to reports from idrw.org, the initial plans to procure the anti-ship missile from General Atomics were abandoned to avoid delays in the delivery of the UAVs. Instead, the Navy will locally integrate the NASM-SR into the UAV systems, ensuring a more efficient and timely rollout of operational capabilities.
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India has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its naval capabilities, receiving approval to build two indigenously designed nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at a new submarine facility in Visakhapatnam. The project, which is part of India’s long-term vision to strengthen its underwater fleet, will commence by the end of 2029, with the steel-cutting process marking the official start of construction.
While the initiation of the construction process is a key milestone, the road to induction will be a long one. The nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program is expected to require at least seven years before the first vessel can be rolled out for harbour and sea trials, which would bring the timeline to around 2035.
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India is advancing its plans to develop a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for its armed forces, with support from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). This collaboration is part of India’s broader deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B HALE UAVs for its military, with GA-ASI providing consulting and technical expertise for the indigenous HALE program.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) had previously proposed a HALE UAV platform, which would weigh approximately 4,000 kg.
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India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkII, slated for operational debut around 2032-33, will be the first fighter jet to integrate an AI-operated unmanned bomber—a Heavy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)—as part of a cutting-edge “family of systems” approach. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in both combat autonomy and aircraft-drone coordination, with the introduction of the Ghatak UCAV, a stealthy drone bomber designed for a variety of high-stakes missions.
The Ghatak UCAV, a 13-ton unmanned aircraft based on a flying-wing design, will be a key asset in the AMCA MkII’s arsenal. Designed with composite materials and stealth coatings, the Ghatak will have a reduced radar cross-section, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect. This UCAV will be able to perform multiple roles, such as Striking enemy radars, Conducting reconnaissance missions, and Acting as a mini-bomber, capable of taking out armored columns and critical enemy infrastructure.
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Rubin Design Bureau, a prominent Russian shipbuilding company, has presented the Indian Navy with an innovative hybrid vessel concept known as the Border and Offshore Submersible Sentry (BOSS). The BOSS project, which uniquely merges the functions of a submarine with those of a surface patrol vessel, aims to fulfil both peacetime and combat roles for the Indian Navy or Coast Guard. With a particular focus on multi-functionality, BOSS could serve as an asset for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and training missions.
The BOSS vessel represents the largest variant in Rubin’s hybrid fleet, with an impressive length of 72 meters and a surface displacement of approximately 1,300 tons. Its considerable size enables it to host a range of capabilities typically reserved for specialized military platforms.
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In a strategic move to enhance the protection of aircraft on the ground, the Indian Navy has announced its interest in the development of a Radar Obscurant Cloak under the iDEX DISC (Defence India Startup Challenge) 13 initiative. The objective of this innovative project is to shield aircraft parked on the ground from detection by enemy radar, offering an additional layer of defense for assets at airbases and other vulnerable locations.
The primary function of this radar obscurant cloak is to minimize the radar signature of grounded aircraft, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect them. This is crucial in modern warfare, where the ability to conceal high-value assets from adversaries can make a significant difference in operational readiness and asset longevity.
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The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been entrusted with the development of 190-MW nuclear reactors, a critical component for the Indian Navy’s ambitious plans for the P-77 nuclear attack submarines (SSN) and the S5 class of ballistic missile submarines (SSBN). This initiative could also pave the way for India’s aspirations to develop its own nuclear aircraft carrier in the foreseeable future.
A retired official from BARC, speaking with idrw.org, emphasized that while the Navy initially aimed for a locally manufactured aircraft carrier, the high costs associated with developing a standalone program presented significant challenges. However, the development of the 190-MW reactors in a twin configuration could serve as a viable solution. This configuration would enable the reactors to provide the necessary power for a 70,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier if the Navy decides to pursue this path within the next 20 years.
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The Indian Navy’s ageing Kilo-class submarine fleet, once the backbone of its underwater force, has now dwindled to seven from its original strength of ten submarines. The fleet, officially designated as the Sindhughosh class, has been a critical part of India’s naval capabilities for over three decades. However, with advancements in submarine technology and the increasing challenges posed by modern naval warfare, the Indian Navy is now preparing for the gradual phase-out of these vessels.
The reduction in the Kilo-class fleet began with the retirement of INS Sindhudhvaj in July 2022, a submarine that had served the Navy since 1987. Another significant loss was the tragic sinking of INS Sindhurakshak in 2013, which was caused by an onboard explosion that claimed the lives of 18 sailors. Further, the INS Sindhuvir was transferred to Myanmar in 2020 as part of defence cooperation between the two nations, reducing the fleet size.
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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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