Pointing the beacon at India’s undersea warfare capabilities

The Indian Navy’s strategic focus in 2024 has been on enhancing its undersea warfare capabilities, highlighted by key developments in nuclear and conventional submarine programs, as well as niche technologies like unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The commissioning of INS Arighaat, the launch of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), and the approval of Project-77 for nuclear-powered attack submarines have reinforced India’s naval strength in the Indo-Pacific. The Navy's efforts also focus on addressing challenges like budgetary issues and enhancing indigenous content in defense platforms.

Key Developments in Undersea Warfare

• INS Arighaat Commissioned: In August 2024, India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighaat, was commissioned, adding to India’s nuclear triad. It is designed with advanced sonar and propulsion systems, and higher indigenous content than its predecessor, INS Arihant.
• Testing of K-4 SLBM: The successful testing of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from INS Arighaat, with a range of 3,500 km, enhances India's nuclear deterrent and places significant portions of China within striking range, bolstering India's regional security posture.
• Approval of Project-77 (P-77): The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared Project-77, allowing the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at Rs. 40,000 crore, scheduled for delivery by 2036-37. These SSNs would complement India's SSBNs and make India the only non-P5 nation to operate both types.

Conventional Submarines and Strategic Importance

• Project-75 and Scorpene Submarines: The sixth Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, is set to be commissioned under Project-75, which has strengthened India's conventional submarine fleet. The Navy is also set to acquire three more such boats to replace decommissioned submarines and enhance operational capacity.
• Project-75(I) for AIP Submarines: Project-75(I), aimed at inducting air-independent propulsion (AIP) enabled submarines, involves bidders from Spain and Germany. These AIP-enabled submarines will have a significant increase in indigenous content, further strengthening India's undersea capabilities.
• Indigenous Content in Submarine Programs: India has committed to increasing indigenous content in its submarine programs, with follow-on Scorpene submarines expected to have 60% indigenous content, and the first AIP submarine under Project-75(I) likely to feature 45% indigenous content, with the goal of 60% by the sixth boat.

Challenges and Strategic Goals

• Budgetary and Delays in Modernization: The Navy faces challenges in modernizing its forces due to mismatches between planned acquisitions and budget allocations. Delays in procurement processes and long gestation periods for defense projects further hinder the effective enhancement of undersea capabilities.
• Focus on Strategic Enablers: The approval of 100-tonne unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), costing Rs. 2,500 crore, highlights India's focus on low-cost, high-return technologies for strategic maritime security. These UUVs will complement the Navy’s capabilities in addressing evolving threats.
• Cooperation with Strategic Partners: India is focused on enhancing maritime stability through cooperation with strategic partners and friendly nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration is aligned with India's vision of promoting a free, open, and inclusive maritime order under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework.

Practice Question:

Q. Evaluate the significance of India’s advancements in undersea warfare capabilities, including the commissioning of INS Arighaat, the development of nuclear and conventional submarines, and unmanned underwater vehicles, in strengthening its naval power and ensuring regional security in the Indo-Pacific.