Emerging Threats
India
faces a medium-term challenge from the Chinese PLA Navy, which has increased
its presence through regular patrols in the Indian Ocean. This heightened
activity underscores the need for India to enhance its naval capabilities.
Project 75I Submarine Venture
After
much deliberation, the Indian government is nearing a decision on the Rs
60,000-crore Project 75I submarine venture. This project involves evaluating
tenders from two companies: one partnered with a Spanish firm and the other
with a German one. A crucial technology under assessment is Air-Independent
Propulsion (AIP), which allows conventional submarines to remain submerged for
extended periods.
Strategic Partnerships
Under
the Strategic Partnership Model, L&T has joined forces with the Spanish
company Navantia, while Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd has teamed up with
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. These partnerships aim to enhance India's
submarine capabilities and address its strategic needs.
Urgency of Modernization
The
urgency for advancing Project 75I has intensified due to recent developments.
In April, the first of four AIP submarines built by China for Pakistan was
commissioned. Pakistan already operates French AIP-equipped Agosta 90B
submarines and has signed a deal with China for four additional AIP-equipped
submarines, with four more to be built in Karachi.
Current Naval Capabilities
India
currently has 17 conventional submarines, 11 of which are decades old, and two
nuclear ballistic missile submarines dedicated to strategic deterrence. Besides
the Project 75I submarines, India has considered developing nuclear-powered
attack submarines, but this concept remains on the drawing board due to budget
constraints.
Conclusion
To
effectively counter regional threats and assert its role as a net security
provider, the Indian Navy needs a substantial capacity boost, starting with the
timely execution of Project 75I and further modernization efforts.
No comments:
Post a Comment