Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:  

Operation Sankalp expanded from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea to ensure the safety and security of shipping from piracy and assisting ships targeted by the Houthis.

About Operation Sankalp

Indian Navy Operation: In early 2024, the Indian Navy's Operation Sankalp expanded its mandate and moved from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea.

The objective of this initiative is to protect shipping lanes from piracy, hijacking and drone attacks while offering assistance to vessels targeted by the Houthis.

The navy's proactive stance in these regions has cemented its reputation as a preferred security partner and first responder for global maritime security.

Advancements in Technology:

• Air Independent Propulsion (AIP): The efficiency of conventional submarines has improved with AIP technology, prompting Project 75(I) to seek AIP-enabled ships from bidders such as Spain and Germany.
• Indigenous content: Future Scorpene boats are expected to contain 60% indigenous content, while Project 75(I) aims for at least 45% in the first boat and increase to 60% in subsequent units.
• Development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs): India has approved the construction of 100-tonne UUVs at a cost of ₹ 2,500 crore which will strengthen undersea capabilities as a cost-effective strategic option. The initiative reflects India's focus on specialized technologies to effectively address complex maritime threats.

What are the current advancements in India’s submarine capabilities?

• INS Arighaat: India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, commissioned in August 2024, strengthens the country's nuclear triad by providing a credible deterrent against regional threats particularly from China with its ability to launch K-4 missiles at a range of more than 3,500 kilometers.
  • • Equipped with advanced sonar and propulsion systems, INS Arighaat significantly enhances India's naval strike capabilities.
• Project-77 (P-77): This is an Indian Navy acquisition program to purchase nuclear-powered attack submarines.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved the long-discussed Project-77 (P-77) and gave its final approval to build two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at a cost of ₹40,000 crore. Delivery of the first SSN is scheduled for 2036-37.

Significance of conventional submarines

• Despite advances in nuclear submarines, conventional submarines remain essential for a variety of undersea missions that do not require nuclear capabilities.
• Project-75: India is set to commission INS Vaghsheer (6th Scorpene submarine) as part of its collaboration with France with plans to order three more ships to replace the older decommissioned ships.

The nuclear triad

The nuclear triad is a military strategy involving three types of forces: land-based nuclear missiles, submarine-launched nuclear missiles and strategic aircraft carrying nuclear bombs or missiles. This three-tiered approach ensures that a country has multiple ways to launch a nuclear attack making its defenses safer and more reliable.

Challenges in Enhancing Undersea Capabilities?

China's Naval Prowess:

• India's submarine fleet continues to lack the necessary teeth despite the fact that the high seas is the only domain in which India can checkmate China given its natural geographical advantages.
• China already has the largest navy in the world with 350 warships, including 50 conventional and 10 nuclear submarines.

India's lag in modernisation: For example the delay in signing the P-75 contract.

Shortage in Indian Navy Essentials:

• There are other significant deficiencies in the Indian Navy, including core capabilities such as "advanced towed sonars (ATAS) to detect enemy submarines, heavy torpedoes to neutralize them, and various air defense systems, all of which are critical not only to their survivability but also to their overall offensive ability.

Cancellation of offer:

• India canceled a contract for Black Shark heavy torpedoes, built by Finmecannica subsidiary WASS, in the wake of an unrelated corruption scandal involving another Finmecannica subsidiary, Augusta-Westland.

The slow development of the AIP system:

• The Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system allows submarines to remain underwater for extended periods of time without being detected.
• However, the development of the original AIP system by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was delayed.

Way forward:

Continuous financial support for long-term projects, along with streamlined processes for defining requirements and evaluating tenders, is critical to meeting the Navy's strategic and operational needs.

Strengthening partnerships with strategic allies and friendly maritime states can enhance India's maritime capabilities, support its Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision and promote a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Conclusion

By modernizing its fleet, adopting new technologies and expanding its operational reach, India is strengthening its commitment to protect its maritime interests and ensure the safety of vital sea lanes. As the Navy moves forward, continued investment in both strategic and technological capabilities will be critical to meeting future challenges in an increasingly complex global maritime environment.

Source:

THE HINDU