By N. C. Bipindra New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen India’s air and maritime combat capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on February 12, 2026, approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately INR 360,000 crore. The high-value clearances include the procurement […]
On December 19, 2025, the Indian Navy decommissioned INS Sindhughosh, its lead submarine, after over 40 years of service. This milestone reflects the Navy’s shift to modern submarines amid growing operational demands in the Indian Ocean. INS Sindhughosh’s legacy includes shaping naval doctrines and training generations of submariners.
India’s Ministry of Defence has signed two significant agreements with the US for long-term support of the Navy’s MH-60R helicopters, worth INR 7,995 crore. Over five years, the package enhances sustainment with spares, training, and local repair facilities, promoting self-reliance and operational readiness for anti-submarine and other critical missions.
In an interview, Dr. Vivek Lall of General Atomics discussed India’s MQ-9B programme, highlighting its role in enhancing ISR operations and industrial partnerships amid defense modernization. The USD 3-billion deal is underway, emphasizing “Make in India.” Opportunities in AI and cybersecurity signal deepening US-India defense collaboration, driven by technological advancements and local integration.
India plans to complete the construction of an air base and naval jetty on Agaléga Island in Mauritius by 2026, emphasizing a cooperative partnership without creating debt dependency. This strategic project aims to enhance regional security and maritime capabilities, contrasting with China’s controversial approach of entrapment through loans.
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Ikshak, a significant addition to its Survey Vessel (Large) class, on November 6, 2025, in Kochi. With over 80% indigenous content, the ship reinforces India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Designed for hydrographic surveys and emergency relief, INS Ikshak symbolizes India’s transition to a builder’s navy.
India’s naval modernization is advancing rapidly, with a new indigenous warship or submarine joining the fleet every 40 days. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi outlined plans for over 200 domestically built vessels by 2035, emphasizing self-reliance, strategic partnerships, and technological integration in defense manufacturing.
Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti emphasized the urgency of global maritime cooperation during the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop, addressing threats in the Indian Ocean such as piracy and illegal fishing. He advocated for shared security frameworks and highlighted India’s commitment to regional stability through the MAHASAGAR initiative, fostering trust and collaboration among nations.
The Indian Navy plans to enhance its maritime capabilities by inducting 36 new vessels by 2027, contributing to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Significant deliveries include 19 ships in 2026 and 13 in 2027, aimed at strengthening India’s operational readiness and boosting its fleet from 135 to nearly 167 warships, enhancing maritime security.
The Indian Navy aims to finalize the P-75(I) contract for six advanced submarines by March 2026, focusing on local production under the Strategic Partnership model. The MDL-TKMS consortium is the sole contender following technical evaluations, with significant implications for India’s defense self-reliance and capability development in undersea deterrence.
India is set to abandon plans for three additional French-origin Scorpene submarines as it focuses on the advanced Project-75I, which will involve the construction of six German-origin stealth submarines. This shift, influenced by technological advancements and production challenges, reflects India’s strategic military needs amid regional security threats.
Cochin Shipyard Limited celebrated a significant accomplishment by launching three advanced vessels, including an Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft, a Hybrid Electric Methanol-Ready Commissioning Vessel, and India’s largest dredger, the DCI Dredge Godavari. This event demonstrates India’s growing shipbuilding expertise and commitment to self-reliance, enhancing maritime infrastructure and defense capabilities.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has laid the keel for a new Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This cutting-edge vessel will enhance India’s underwater research capabilities, supporting acoustic studies and oceanographic data collection, with advanced operational features and a 30-day endurance.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasized the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity in India’s maritime operations at a seminar on October 16, 2025. He highlighted the vulnerabilities posed by digital systems and cited recent cyberattacks affecting global shipping. Tripathi urged that cybersecurity must be integral from the design stage to ensure national and economic security.
On August 5, the Defence Acquisition Council of India approved proposals worth ₹67,000 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and bolster indigenous manufacturing. Key acquisitions include advanced night combat systems, unmanned maritime platforms, mountain radars, and Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones, targeting improved surveillance and strike capabilities.
