India’s maritime strategy has undergone significant transformation in recent years, emphasizing indigenous development and modernization of its naval assets. Central to this evolution are the advancements in submarine technology and the commissioning of INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier. These developments not only bolster India’s defense capabilities but also signify its growing stature in global maritime affairs.
INS Vikrant: A Milestone in Indigenous Shipbuilding
Design and Specifications
INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022, stands as a testament to India’s shipbuilding prowess. Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, it is the largest warship ever built in India. The carrier measures 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width, with a displacement of approximately 45,000 tonnes. Powered by four General Electric LM2500+ gas turbines, it can achieve speeds up to 28 knots and has an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles. Naval Technology Wikipedia
Aircraft Complement and Capabilities
INS Vikrant operates a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system, accommodating up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and various helicopters like the Kamov Ka-31 and MH-60R. These aircraft enhance the carrier’s capabilities in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and reconnaissance missions. Baird Maritime Wikipedia
Strategic Significance
The induction of INS Vikrant marks a strategic shift in India’s naval doctrine, enabling sustained power projection and enhanced maritime security, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It complements the existing INS Vikramaditya, allowing for greater operational flexibility and readiness. AP News Wikipedia AP News
Advancements in Submarine Technology
Conventional Submarines and AIP Integration
India’s submarine fleet has seen significant upgrades, notably the integration of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. In early 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth approximately ₹28.67 billion for enhancing its submarines with DRDO-developed AIP technology. This advancement allows submarines to remain submerged longer, increasing stealth and operational efficiency. Naval Technology Reuters
Nuclear-Powered Submarine Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic advantages of nuclear propulsion, India approved the construction of two new nuclear-powered attack submarines in October 2024, with plans to build a total of six. These submarines, to be constructed at the Visakhapatnam shipyard with anticipated involvement from Larsen & Toubro, will enhance India’s deterrence capabilities and address the growing presence of adversarial forces in the IOR. Reuters
Project-75 and Indigenous Efforts
The Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) submarines, developed under Project-75 in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, represent a significant step in India’s indigenous submarine construction. The recent launch of INS Vagsheer, the sixth in this class, underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. AP News
Strategic Implications and Regional Dynamics
India’s advancements in naval technologies are not merely about modernization but also about asserting its role as a net security provider in the IOR. The commissioning of INS Vikrant and the expansion of the submarine fleet serve as deterrents against regional threats and ensure the protection of vital sea lanes. These developments also reflect India’s response to the increasing naval activities of other powers in the region, particularly China’s growing presence. Best IAS Coaching AP News Second Line of Defense AP News Reuters
Conclusion
India’s strides in developing advanced submarine and aircraft carrier technologies signify a robust commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities. The successful commissioning of INS Vikrant and the ongoing expansion of the submarine fleet not only strengthen national defense but also position India as a formidable maritime force in the 21st century.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is INS Vikrant?
- INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities.YouTube Wikipedia Alpha Defense Varivane
- INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities.YouTube Wikipedia Alpha Defense Varivane
- What are the specifications of INS Vikrant?
- It measures 262 meters in length, displaces 45,000 tons, and can carry up to 40 aircraft.YouTube
- It measures 262 meters in length, displaces 45,000 tons, and can carry up to 40 aircraft.YouTube
- What types of aircraft can INS Vikrant accommodate?
- It can host MiG-29K fighter jets, MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters, and other rotary-wing aircraft.Home+1@mathrubhumi+1
- It can host MiG-29K fighter jets, MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters, and other rotary-wing aircraft.Home+1@mathrubhumi+1
- What propulsion system does INS Vikrant use?
- It is powered by four General Electric LM2500+ gas turbines, enabling speeds up to 28 knots.
- It is powered by four General Electric LM2500+ gas turbines, enabling speeds up to 28 knots.
- What is the significance of the STOBAR system on INS Vikrant?
- How does INS Vikrant enhance India’s maritime security?
- It increases naval presence, supports air operations at sea, and serves as a deterrent in the Indian Ocean Region.YouTube
- It increases naval presence, supports air operations at sea, and serves as a deterrent in the Indian Ocean Region.YouTube
- What advancements has India made in submarine technology?
- India is integrating Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems and developing nuclear-powered submarines to enhance underwater endurance and capabilities.
- India is integrating Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems and developing nuclear-powered submarines to enhance underwater endurance and capabilities.
- What is the current composition of India’s submarine fleet?
- The Indian Navy operates 17 diesel-electric submarines and one nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant.The Nuclear Threat Initiative
- The Indian Navy operates 17 diesel-electric submarines and one nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant.The Nuclear Threat Initiative
- What is Project-75I?
- Project-75I is an initiative to build six advanced conventional submarines with AIP technology to modernize India’s submarine fleet.Reuters
- Project-75I is an initiative to build six advanced conventional submarines with AIP technology to modernize India’s submarine fleet.Reuters
- Why is AIP technology important for submarines?
- AIP allows submarines to operate underwater for extended periods without surfacing, enhancing stealth and operational range.
- AIP allows submarines to operate underwater for extended periods without surfacing, enhancing stealth and operational range.
- How does India’s naval advancement impact regional security?
- It strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities and ensures stability in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.
- It strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities and ensures stability in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.
- What role does indigenous development play in India’s naval strategy?
- It reduces dependence on foreign technology, promotes self-reliance, and boosts domestic defense manufacturing.
- It reduces dependence on foreign technology, promotes self-reliance, and boosts domestic defense manufacturing.
- What are the future plans for India’s aircraft carrier fleet?
- India plans to develop a second indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, to further enhance its naval capabilities.
- India plans to develop a second indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, to further enhance its naval capabilities.
- How does INS Vikrant compare to other aircraft carriers globally?
- While smaller than some carriers, INS Vikrant incorporates modern technologies and represents a significant achievement in indigenous shipbuilding.
- While smaller than some carriers, INS Vikrant incorporates modern technologies and represents a significant achievement in indigenous shipbuilding.
- What challenges does India face in expanding its naval capabilities?
- Challenges include technological complexities, budget constraints, and the need for skilled manpower and infrastructure.
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