Indian Navy's Undersea Warfare

Indian Navy’s Undersea Warfare

Explore the Indian Navy's undersea warfare capabilities, including advanced submarines, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic operations ensuring maritime security and dominance below the surface.

Table of Contents

The Indian Navy commenced 2024 with significant advancements in its operational capabilities, particularly through Operation Sankalp.

Operation Sankalp

Focus on ensuring shipping security from piracy and providing assistance to ships targeted by Houthis in areas like the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the waters off the east coast of Somalia.
Reinforced India’s status as a preferred security partner and first responder.
Milestones:
- Over 110 lives were saved, including 45 Indian seafarers.
- Escorting approximately 1.5 million tons of critical commodities.
- Seizing over 3,000 kgs of narcotics.

Facts

US and other European Union countries operations to tackle the Houthi threat in the Red Sea Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Aspides respectively.

Other Key Developments in Undersea Warfare

Commissioning of INS Arighaat (August 2024)

India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
Enhances the third leg of India’s nuclear triad.
Features:
- Advanced sonar and propulsion systems.
- Upgraded acoustic dampening.
- Higher indigenous content compared to INS Arihant.
Successfully tested the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a 3,500 km range, placing most of China within striking distance.

Approval of Project-77 (P-77)

Cabinet Committee on Security approved construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs).
Delivery of the first SSN by 2036-37 with over 90% indigenous content.
India becomes the only non-P5 nation to operate both SSBNs and SSNs.

Developments in Conventional Submarines

Project-75 (Scorpene Class Submarines)

Sixth Scorpene boat, INS Vaghsheer, to be commissioned soon.
Plan to order three more Scorpene boats with 60% indigenous content.

Project-75(I) (AIP-Enabled Submarines)

Focus on Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology to increase non-nuclear boat efficacy.
Collaboration with Spain (Navantia) and Germany (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems – TKMS).
Indigenous content expected to start at 45% for the first boat and rise to 60% by the sixth boat.

Approval of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)

Development of 100-tonne UUVs at a cost of ₹2,500 crore.
Aim: Enhance undersea capabilities with cost-effective, strategic enablers.

Challenges in Modernization

Budgetary Constraints: It hinders timely acquisitions and modernization efforts.
Excessive Time Delays: Inefficiencies in specifying requirements, shortlisting manufacturers, and evaluating tenders.

Strategic Opportunities

Strategic Focus Areas: Streamlined acquisition processes.
- Balancing investments across undersea, surface, and aviation elements to create a robust blue-water navy.
Collaboration with Strategic Partners:
- Potential for enhanced cooperation with friendly maritime nations.
- Alignment with India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
Promotion of a Free and Inclusive Indo-Pacific: Focus on maritime stability to support India’s growth and geopolitical goals.