The Indian Navy is gearing up to finalise significant defence deals, with the aim of signing agreements worth ₹90,000 crore for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines.
The Navy hopes to finalise these deals by next month, as revealed by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi during the annual Navy Day press conference on Monday.
Admiral Tripathi highlighted that the Navy has been in negotiations with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, which are expected to bolster the Navy’s air combat capabilities.
The deal also includes the construction of three additional Scorpene-class submarines, set to be built at Mazagon Dockyards Limited. This expansion will further strengthen India's naval power, with the new submarines complementing the six Scorpene-class submarines already in service with the Indian Navy.
The addition of these three submarines is part of a broader strategy to enhance India's indigenous submarine capabilities. The Indian Navy is working on the Project 75 India programme, which aims to enhance the country's naval fleet by developing and building submarines in India.
This programme is expected to significantly improve the Navy's capabilities and self-reliance in submarine production.
In addition to discussing the deals, Admiral Tripathi touched upon the growing concern of China’s increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Navy is closely monitoring the movements of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in the region, keeping a keen eye on Chinese warships and research vessels.
According to Admiral Tripathi, the Indian Navy is well aware of the activities of these extra-regional forces, and efforts are being made to ensure that India’s interests in the region are safeguarded.
He noted that while China’s naval presence in the Pacific Ocean is expanding, the Indian Navy remains focused on protecting India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
Admiral Tripathi referenced China’s long-term ambitions, highlighting the country’s vision of becoming a global power, as detailed in the book The Hundred Year Marathon.
He acknowledged that China’s influence is likely to continue growing in the Pacific, but the Indian Navy remains vigilant in the Indian Ocean to counter any potential threats to the nation’s security.
Admiral Tripathi also addressed the successful launch of a nuclear-capable missile from the INS Arighaat, further showcasing the Navy’s growing capabilities in missile technology.
This successful test highlights the Navy's commitment to strengthening its defence systems and maintaining readiness to protect national interests.
The procurement of the Rafale Marine aircraft and the construction of additional Scorpene submarines are key developments for the Indian Navy, as it continues to modernise its fleet and enhance its operational capacity.
These deals are expected to significantly improve India’s maritime strength, allowing the Navy to remain competitive in the region and capable of responding to evolving threats.
As the Navy moves forward with these crucial deals, the focus on building indigenous capabilities through the Project 75 India programme and expanding its strategic reach in the Indian Ocean will ensure that India remains prepared for any challenges that may arise in the maritime domain.
The growing concern over China’s naval activities in the region underscores the importance of these acquisitions, as the Navy seeks to maintain its position as a dominant force in the Indian Ocean.
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