DAC Set To Consider ₹75,000 Crore Project-18 Approval For Indian Navy's Massive Next-Generation Destroyers

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to meet soon to consider granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Indian Navy’s ambitious Project-18 next-generation destroyer initiative, a programme that could become one of the most significant surface combatant acquisition efforts ever undertaken by India.

The project is estimated to be worth around ₹75,000 crore and is expected to receive approval for the construction of between eight and ten advanced next-generation destroyers under what is being referred to as the Project -8A configuration.

Designed as the successor to the Indian Navy’s current Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, the new warships are expected to represent a major leap in size, firepower, survivability and technological sophistication.

With an anticipated displacement of approximately 13,000 tons, the vessels will be substantially larger than the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, which displace roughly 8,000 tons or less. The increase in size is expected to place Project-18 among the largest and most heavily armed surface combatants ever operated by the Indian Navy.

The destroyers are being conceived as future-ready warships capable of operating across multiple domains in increasingly contested maritime environments.

One of the most notable features of the design is the planned incorporation of up to 144 vertical launch system (VLS) cells. These launchers are expected to accommodate a diverse range of missile systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and other future indigenous weapons, providing the ships with substantial anti-ship, land-attack and air-defence capabilities.

The large missile inventory would represent a significant increase over existing Indian destroyer classes and would enable the warships to engage multiple threats simultaneously while maintaining strong offensive strike potential.

Project-18 is also expected to feature an advanced sensor and radar architecture centred on long-range multi-domain tracking systems capable of detecting and tracking targets at distances of up to 500 kilometres.

The radar suite is expected to provide enhanced surveillance, target acquisition and battlefield management capabilities across air, surface and potentially ballistic missile threat environments. Such capabilities would significantly strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to operate within complex and high-threat maritime theatres.

The proposed design is understood to emphasise indigenous technologies and next-generation combat systems, reflecting India's broader push towards defence self-reliance and increased domestic content in major military platforms.

In addition to conventional weapon systems, the destroyers are expected to incorporate provisions for future technologies, including directed-energy weapons and railgun-based systems. Although these technologies remain under development globally, designing the ships with sufficient power generation and growth margins could allow them to integrate such advanced capabilities later in their service lives.

The vessels are also expected to make use of advanced power generation and combat management systems to support future upgrades throughout their operational lifespan.

According to current projections, the design phase of the project could require approximately four to five years before detailed engineering and construction activities commence.

If approved, the program would enter a prolonged development and construction cycle, with the first ships expected to join the fleet during the mid-2030s.

Project-18 forms a key component of the Indian Navy’s long-term force modernisation plans and aligns with its objective of maintaining a capable blue-water fleet able to safeguard national interests across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

The scale of the program highlights the Navy’s growing focus on larger and more capable surface combatants capable of undertaking air-defence, anti-surface, anti-submarine and long-range strike missions within network-centric warfare environments.

Once commissioned, the destroyers are expected to become some of the most powerful warships ever built in India, combining substantial missile firepower, advanced sensor coverage and future technology integration within a single platform.

With DAC consideration of the AoN now anticipated, Project-18 appears poised to move from the conceptual stage towards becoming one of the defining naval construction efforts of the coming decades, significantly shaping the future composition and capabilities of the Indian Navy's frontline fleet.

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India's Defence Self-Reliance Push Enters Second Phase, Defence Minister Calls Innovators 'Impact Players'

India’s drive towards defence self-reliance is entering a new and more ambitious phase, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declaring that the foundations laid over the past decade have positioned the country to pursue advanced technological goals and globally competitive military capabilities.

Addressing the plenary session of the Indian Navy’s flagship seminar, Swavlamban 2026, in New Delhi, Singh said the country's efforts to achieve atmanirbharta in defence have now entered the “second phase”, following significant progress during the initial stage of the self-reliance campaign.

The two-day seminar, being held at the Manekshaw Centre on 26 and 27 October, marks the fifth edition of the Navy’s key innovation and indigenisation event. Senior military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani, Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth and Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, attended the event.

Singh said the defence sector had “earned good marks” during the first phase of the self-reliance initiative and was now ready to move beyond basic indigenisation targets towards the development of cutting-edge systems and technologies.

“In this next phase of atmanirbharta in defence, focus should be on delivering outcomes which are of ‘top end’ and of the ‘state-of-the-art’ level,” he said.

According to the Defence Minister, the next stage must not only focus on indigenous production but also ensure that defence products are cost-effective, operationally superior, high-quality and globally competitive. He stressed that domestic systems must increasingly satisfy the operational requirements of the armed forces while also positioning India as a significant player in the international defence market.

A central theme of Singh’s address was the role of innovation in achieving these objectives. He described innovators as the “impact players” of the next phase and emphasised that future advances would depend on visionary researchers, engineers, Start-Ups, industry partners and technology developers capable of delivering breakthrough capabilities.

He also advocated the creation of a detailed and time-bound roadmap for self-reliance. Such a framework, he said, should clearly identify priority technologies, define sectors where indigenous capability is critical, allocate responsibilities to industry, and establish timelines for delivery.

Expanding on the next phase of atmanirbharta, Singh highlighted the importance of strengthening research and development, accelerating technological innovation and building resilient domestic supply chains. He warned that dependence on imported technologies and critical materials, including rare earth elements, could expose strategic vulnerabilities during times of crisis.

He described supply-chain management as a strategic national security requirement rather than merely a technical challenge. In this context, Singh urged stakeholders to assess buffer stocks and domestic manufacturing capabilities in advance so that potential disruptions can be addressed proactively rather than reactively.

The Defence Minister acknowledged that certain external dependencies may continue until domestic alternatives become available. However, he argued that critical technologies and materials must be prioritised for indigenous development and that sustained investment in research and development would be essential to overcoming these constraints.

Singh also pointed to the growing success of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, which has enabled Start-Ups and micro, small and medium enterprises to develop technologies that were previously imported.

He noted that the Indian Navy has received more than 4,000 proposals against 229 technology challenges, reflecting increasing industry participation in solving operational problems. Naval contracts worth over ₹1,900 crore awarded through these efforts demonstrate that the innovation ecosystem is beginning to deliver tangible results.

Addressing the seminar, Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan called for a faster conversion of innovative ideas into deployable military capabilities. He urged industry, academia and defence stakeholders to remain ahead of the technological curve and ensure that emerging technologies are rapidly translated into operational advantages.

The Navy Chief specifically highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, arguing that both technologies will play a crucial role in strengthening future naval capabilities.

Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar reinforced this message, calling for a shorter “innovation to integration” cycle so that promising technologies can reach frontline platforms more quickly.

Referring to recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, Kochhar observed that the pace of technological change in warfare continues to accelerate rapidly. He noted that advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities and drone technologies are reshaping modern battlefields, making technological superiority increasingly difficult to maintain over long periods.

“The operational environment is changing rapidly with advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and cyber capabilities, reshaping the character of warfare, and in such a scenario a technological advantage can be short-lived,” he said.

Kochhar added that Swavlamban 2026 provides an important platform for bringing together government organisations, industry and innovators to strengthen existing partnerships and identify new opportunities for collaboration. He expressed confidence that these efforts would help transform innovative ideas into “meaningful capabilities at sea”.

Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar also urged stakeholders to work collectively to advance India’s self-reliance goals, underlining the importance of cooperation across the defence ecosystem to sustain momentum in the country’s indigenisation journey.

The broader message emerging from Swavlamban 2026 is that India’s defence self-reliance strategy is evolving from a focus on indigenous manufacturing towards what officials increasingly describe as “Atmanirbharta 2.0” - a phase centred on advanced technologies, resilient supply chains, stronger research capabilities and globally competitive defence products that can support the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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DAC Clears ₹2.12 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Drive, 82% Procurement Earmarked for Indian Industry

In a major boost to military modernisation and indigenous manufacturing, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore for the armed forces, announced PIB.

The approvals represent one of the largest defence acquisition clearances in recent years and are aligned with the government's continued emphasis on strengthening domestic defence production and operational preparedness.

According to the Ministry of Defence, around 82% of the total procurement value will be sourced from Indian industry, providing substantial momentum to the country's self-reliance drive in the defence sector and reinforcing the indigenous defence industrial base.

The cleared proposals span a broad spectrum of platforms, weapons, surveillance assets and support systems for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The acquisitions are intended to enhance capability across key operational domains, including mobility, surveillance, precision strike, air defence, counter-drone warfare, logistics support and maritime security.

For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, Gun Shot Response Systems (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) and Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).

The Army will also acquire long-range unmanned aerial systems, surveillance UAVs, an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System, and Long Range Kamikaze Drone Systems, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned and network-enabled warfare on the modern battlefield.

The HMVs are expected to significantly improve operational mobility, logistical support and deployment flexibility, particularly in challenging and difficult terrain.

The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems will provide mechanised formations with a combination of mobility and firepower, strengthening battlefield responsiveness and long-range engagement capabilities.

The GSRS will act as a force multiplier by delivering real-time situational awareness, enabling troops to rapidly identify and respond to hostile firing positions during operations.

The LMRHs will undertake a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue tasks, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.

The VSHORADS are intended to counter small-sized, next-generation aerial threats, an increasingly important requirement as low-cost airborne systems become more prevalent in contemporary conflicts.

The Platform Based C-UAS systems will improve the survivability of armoured formations by providing enhanced protection against hostile drone attacks.

The approved surveillance UAVs, long-range drone systems and integrated surveillance-strike assets are expected to strengthen the Army's intelligence, reconnaissance, target-acquisition and precision-engagement capabilities.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Active Offboard Decoy Systems (AODS) along with other major naval platforms. The AODS will strengthen naval anti-missile defences by providing additional protection against modern anti-ship missile threats, a capability of growing importance in increasingly contested maritime environments.

The other naval platforms approved by the council will be designed and constructed domestically and are intended to enhance the Navy's overall combat effectiveness through the incorporation of contemporary warfare technologies and systems.

For the Indian Air Force, the approvals include helicopters, air-defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems. The cleared helicopter acquisition includes Special Utility Helicopters that will support a range of air-transport requirements and improve operational flexibility across diverse mission profiles.

The Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas, helping commanders and aircrew make more informed operational decisions in rapidly changing conditions.

The approved air-defence systems and weapons are expected to strengthen the Air Force's ability to protect critical assets, improve readiness and support future operational requirements.

The AoN granted by the DAC constitutes in-principle administrative approval for procurement and marks the beginning of the acquisition process. Subsequent phases will involve detailed procurement procedures, tendering activities, evaluation processes and contract finalisation before equipment induction can commence.

Collectively, the approvals underscore India's determination to modernise its armed forces while simultaneously expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The package delivers enhanced capability across land, air and maritime domains, with particular emphasis on drones, surveillance, mobility, air defence and precision-strike systems, while ensuring that a substantial majority of expenditure remains within the Indian defence industry ecosystem.

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Indian Navy Orders Indigenous Underwater Vision System From Bangalore-Based Ci4 Under iDEX Initiative

In a significant boost to India’s indigenous maritime technology ecosystem, the Indian Navy has awarded a contract to Bangalore-based defence technology Start-Up Ci4 for the development and deployment of an advanced Underwater Vision System (UVS) and multi-modal observation tools.

The project has been undertaken through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, a flagship initiative designed to accelerate innovation and strengthen self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The new capability is intended to enhance the Navy’s underwater surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence-gathering and situational awareness capabilities. Developed with a strong focus on operational requirements, the system is expected to support specialised naval missions, including those undertaken by elite units such as the Marine Commandos (MARCOS), which frequently operate in complex and challenging underwater environments.

Ci4, a Bangalore-based defence Start-Up co-founded by Anirudh Dubey, has emerged as one of the country’s notable innovators in autonomous maritime systems. The company specialises in developing advanced underwater and autonomous platforms that combine artificial intelligence, sensor fusion and autonomous operation to support defence and security missions.

At the heart of the Underwater Vision System is a sophisticated multi-modal sensor suite that combines high-fidelity underwater imaging with sonar and bathymetric sensing technologies. This integrated approach is designed to provide operators with a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of underwater environments, improving the detection, identification and assessment of potential threats, obstacles and points of interest beneath the surface.

The system is being developed to overcome the challenges traditionally associated with underwater operations, where poor visibility, environmental conditions and limited situational awareness can significantly affect mission effectiveness.

By bringing together advanced imaging and sonar technologies in a unified platform, the system aims to deliver enhanced underwater intelligence and operational awareness in real time.

Ci4’s expertise extends beyond handheld and diver-carried systems. The company has previously worked on a range of maritime technologies, including autonomous underwater vehicles and drones. 

Among these is the Echo underwater drone, an agile unmanned platform equipped with eight thrusters that provide complete six-degrees-of-freedom manoeuvrability, enabling precise movement and control in demanding underwater environments.

The company’s broader maritime portfolio includes diver-operated observation systems, autonomous underwater vehicles and modular unmanned platforms designed for surveillance, reconnaissance and inspection tasks. These developments reflect a growing emphasis on autonomous and intelligent systems that can reduce risk to personnel while expanding operational reach.

Additional information indicates that Ci4 has been developing advanced underwater observation technologies featuring integrated imaging, sonar and artificial intelligence-enabled processing capabilities. Such solutions are intended to improve underwater target detection, classification and assessment while providing persistent situational awareness during naval missions.

The project also aligns closely with the objectives of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment by encouraging domestic innovation and manufacturing.

Through the iDEX framework, the Ministry of Defence has increasingly sought to leverage the capabilities of emerging Start-Ups and technology firms to address operational challenges faced by the armed forces.

For the Indian Navy, the induction of indigenous underwater sensing and observation technologies represents an important step towards strengthening maritime security and enhancing awareness of the underwater domain. As underwater threats and strategic competition continue to evolve, the ability to monitor and understand activity beneath the sea surface is becoming an increasingly critical element of naval operations.

The order awarded to Ci4 highlights the growing role of Indian Start-Ups in delivering advanced defence technologies and demonstrates how collaboration between the armed forces and private industry is helping to accelerate the development of next-generation capabilities for the country’s maritime forces.

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Swavlamban 2026 To Accelerate Indian Navy Self-Reliance Through Indigenous Innovation

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has underlined the need for a technologically empowered, self-reliant and future-ready Indian Navy, stressing that indigenous solutions and next-generation technologies will play a decisive role in strengthening India's maritime defence capabilities.

Speaking about the Navy's growing drive towards self-reliance, the Admiral highlighted the importance of Swavlamban, the service's flagship initiative focused on innovation, indigenisation and Aatmanirbharta. Since its launch in July 2022, the event has evolved into a major national platform linking operational military requirements with India's technological and industrial ecosystem.

"Swavlamban is the Indian Navy's flagship event for innovation, indigenisation, and self-reliance," he said.

The initiative has expanded rapidly in a relatively short period. Participation has increased from around 800 attendees during the inaugural edition to nearly 3,000 participants by 2025, reflecting rising interest from industry, academia, innovators, investors and the wider defence technology community.

Admiral Swaminathan emphasised that technological superiority will increasingly define success in future conflicts and that many of the innovations likely to shape tomorrow's battlefield are already being developed across India.

"The technologies that will shape tomorrow's battlefield are being created today in laboratories, universities, and Start-Ups across the country," he said.

He explained that Swavlamban serves as a bridge between the Indian Navy's operational needs and the capabilities of India's scientific and entrepreneurial community.

"At its heart, Swavlamban has a simple purpose: to connect the Indian Navy's operational requirements with the ingenuity, creativity, enterprise, and excellence of India's scientists, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs," he said.

According to the Navy chief, the initiative has become an important mechanism for transforming indigenous ideas into deployable capabilities, helping ensure that maritime security requirements can increasingly be met through domestic innovation rather than overseas dependence.

He added that Swavlamban 2026 would deepen collaboration between the Navy and India's innovation ecosystem, creating additional opportunities for local innovators to directly contribute to future naval capabilities and the broader national objective of self-reliance.

"Swavlamban 2026 will take this partnership even further, creating more opportunities for Indian innovators to contribute directly to the Indian Navy's future capabilities and to India's larger journey towards Atmanirbharta.

The event is a reaffirmation of our national resolve to build a stronger, more secure, and technologically empowered Bharat, whose defence preparedness rests firmly on its own strength," Swaminathan said.

Swavlamban 2026, carrying the theme Ideas to Impact, is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 26 and 27 October. The event is expected to bring together the armed forces, industry, Start-Ups, MSMEs, academia and investors to explore technological solutions that can strengthen India's maritime preparedness and defence self-reliance.

The seminar is also expected to focus on emerging and disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, autonomous systems and hypersonic technologies, with discussions centred on their potential military and naval applications.

A thematic exhibition will showcase indigenous innovations spanning maritime surveillance, counter-unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, safety solutions and operational efficiency enhancements. The exhibition will also highlight successful examples of Indian-developed products progressing from concept stage to operational use.

The broader objective remains aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with the Indian Navy seeking to accelerate the transition from home-grown innovation to operational capability while strengthening domestic supply chains, encouraging academic entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of promising Indian Start-Ups.

Through Swavlamban 2026, the Navy aims not only to enhance future combat readiness but also to reinforce India's long-term ambition of becoming a technologically advanced maritime power whose defence preparedness is increasingly built upon indigenous expertise, innovation and industrial strength.

ANI

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IAF Expands Extended-Range Operational Focus As Indo-Pacific Security Dynamics Intensify

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is maintaining a close watch on developments across the Indo-Pacific and is strengthening a range of capabilities designed to protect India’s national interests across vast distances, according to Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.

His remarks come at a time when strategic competition is increasing across the Indo-Pacific, a region that has become a focal point of global security discussions. Concerns have been growing internationally over heightened military activity and power projection in the area, while India, the United States, Japan, Australia and other partners continue to advocate a free, open and rules-based regional order.

In an exclusive interaction with PTI, Air Chief Marshal Singh underscored that India’s priorities remain firmly centred on protecting its national interests, sovereignty and strategic autonomy while supporting a rules-based Indo-Pacific framework.

Highlighting the operational requirements needed to achieve that objective, he said, "From the IAF's perspective, this demands a specific set of capabilities. We need reach, persistent surveillance, air mobility, air-domain awareness, networked command and control, and the ability to operate effectively over extended distances."

The Air Chief pointed to the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, describing them as a vital launch point for operations across the eastern Indian Ocean Region. According to him, the combination of aerial refuelling assets and airborne early warning platforms significantly enhances the IAF’s ability to project power and maintain awareness far from the Indian mainland.

"Our strategic posture in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provides a critical springboard for operations in the eastern Indian Ocean Region. Aerial refuelling and airborne early warning give us the reach and awareness to operate far from our shores," he said.

Without naming any specific country, Air Chief Marshal Singh also reflected on the rapid geopolitical shifts taking place across the Indo-Pacific, where military deployments, strategic competition and regional rivalries have intensified in recent years.

"The Indo-Pacific has become central to global security, and it is marked by growing military activity, strategic competition and contestation," he said.

He further noted that recent developments in the region's maritime domain demonstrate the importance of maintaining readiness and strengthening cooperation among like-minded nations.

"Recent developments across the region, including in its maritime spaces, underline the need for vigilance, credible deterrence and greater regional cooperation," he stressed.

Discussing force preparedness, the Air Chief said the IAF is enhancing cooperation with friendly foreign air forces, viewing these engagements as a means not only to improve operational capability but also to build long-term strategic trust.

He remarked that "trust itself is an enduring contributor to regional stability", highlighting the growing importance of defence partnerships in an increasingly complex security environment.

The IAF, he explained, is adopting a capability-based rather than threat-specific approach. The objective is to develop a force that can identify emerging challenges at an early stage, operate seamlessly across multiple domains and deliver the desired operational effects wherever India's interests require.

"As for preparedness, we are closely monitor developments across the Indo-Pacific. Our approach is not threat-specific. We are building an IAF that can detect emerging challenges early, operate across multiple domains, and generate the required effects wherever India's national interests demand," he said.

Emphasising the force's operational readiness, Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that the IAF remains fully prepared to defend the country and adapt to evolving security challenges.

"We are ready, and will remain ready" to safeguard India's security, he said.

A key element of that preparation has been the expansion of interoperability with partner nations. The IAF has increasingly participated in sophisticated multinational exercises and operational deployments aimed at improving coordination, logistics, long-range mission planning and joint operations.

Recent deployments to Australia, Malaysia and Thailand have enabled Indian aircrew to gain practical experience in extended-range operations, maritime air missions, large-force employment concepts and area familiarisation across strategically important regions.

The Air Chief also highlighted a notable example of regional engagement conducted in February 2026, when IAF Su-30MKI fighter aircraft operating from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands carried out an in-situ exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force over the Indian Ocean.

The mission was supported by IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft and Indian airborne warning and control systems, demonstrating the IAF’s ability to sustain operations at long distances while coordinating with international partners.

"They were supported by IL-78 tankers and our airborne warning and control aircraft. Engagements of this kind build both capability and trust, and that trust is itself an enduring contributor to regional stability," he said.

Air Chief Marshal Singh further emphasised that future effectiveness in the Indo-Pacific will depend on a broad spectrum of advanced capabilities. Beyond traditional air power, he highlighted the growing importance of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, space-enabled systems, electronic warfare capabilities, precision-guided weapons, unmanned platforms and resilient networked architecture.

According to the Air Chief, these capabilities will be crucial for operating effectively across the vast maritime expanses of the Indo-Pacific, where awareness, reach and rapid decision-making are becoming increasingly important components of national security strategy.

India's efforts in this direction are also supported by its growing engagement with Quad partners and other friendly nations, reflecting New Delhi's broader objective of maintaining stability, preserving freedom of navigation and strengthening collective security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. 

Recent years have seen an increase in defence exercises, information-sharing arrangements and operational interactions aimed at reinforcing these goals while ensuring that the region remains open, inclusive and governed by internationally accepted rules.

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Indian Navy's Underwater Capabilities Set For Major Boost As Indigenous AIP System Reaches Crucial Trial Phase

India has achieved a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen the Indian Navy's underwater warfare capabilities, with the inauguration of the Setting to Work Phase-2 (STW-2) activity of the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

The development marks an important step towards equipping the Navy's conventional submarine fleet with technology that will significantly enhance its underwater endurance and operational effectiveness.

The AIP Energy Module has been developed indigenously by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The technology is designed to reduce the dependence of diesel-electric submarines on atmospheric oxygen, allowing them to remain submerged for much longer periods without needing to surface or snorkel for battery charging.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Larsen and Toubro's AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who also serves as Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development, attended the event virtually as the chief guest.

Senior officials present at the facility included Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, and DRDO Director General (Naval Systems and Materials) R. Balamuralikrishnan.

The commencement of STW-2 represents a critical stage in the program's progression. During the next phase, the AIP Energy Module will be energised for power production and subjected to rigorous testing in accordance with Indian Navy protocols.

Upon successful completion of these trials, the system will be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for integration into a Kalvari-class submarine in early 2027. The retrofit is expected to provide a substantial enhancement to the Navy's existing fleet of Scorpene-class submarines.

According to the Defence Ministry, the indigenous AIP system will significantly improve the underwater endurance of conventional submarines by enabling them to operate for extended periods without relying on atmospheric oxygen. This capability reduces the frequency with which submarines need to surface, thereby lowering the risk of detection during operations.

The technology is regarded as a major force multiplier for diesel-electric submarines. Conventional submarines typically rely on batteries while submerged and must periodically approach the surface to recharge them using diesel generators. Air Independent Propulsion technology addresses this limitation by generating power underwater, enabling longer and stealthier deployments.

Speaking at the event, Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated DRDO and its industry partners for achieving the milestone. He praised the scientific dedication and industrial cooperation behind the indigenous AIP effort, noting that the program had now translated into "productive reality on the shop floor".

He also acknowledged the consistent support provided by the Indian Navy throughout the development process, including its role in testing and validating the system at every stage of the trials.

Singh stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in subsequent phases of the project so that the Navy's planned induction schedule can be achieved. At the same time, he underscored the need to preserve "the exacting safety culture that hydrogen and fuel cell systems require without compromise".

The indigenous AIP initiative is considered a key component of India's broader drive for self-reliance in critical naval technologies. The system is based on advanced hydrogen fuel-cell technology, an area that demands stringent safety standards as well as sophisticated engineering expertise.

The program has been the result of years of collaboration between DRDO, the Indian Navy and industry partners. Earlier development phases validated the technology's performance, paving the way for the current power-generation and operational testing stage.

Once inducted, the AIP-equipped Kalvari-class submarines are expected to gain a significant stealth advantage by remaining underwater for substantially longer durations. This improvement will enhance the Navy's ability to conduct surveillance, deterrence and combat missions across the Indian Ocean Region while reducing exposure to hostile detection systems.

The latest achievement therefore represents not only a technological milestone for India's indigenous defence ecosystem but also a notable step forward in strengthening the Indian Navy's future underwater combat capabilities.

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INS Sahyadri Concludes INDRA 2026, Strengthening India-Russia Naval Cooperation

Indian Navy warship INS Sahyadri departed Vladivostok on 20 October after successfully completing the bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2026 with the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN), marking another step forward in maritime cooperation between the two nations.

The exercise was conducted in two distinct phases, harbour and sea, with the objective of enhancing operational coordination, interoperability and professional collaboration between the Indian and Russian navies.

During the harbour phase, personnel from both sides participated in a series of engagements that included interactions among senior naval leadership, cross-deck visits, subject matter expert exchanges, operational coordination discussions, sporting fixtures and cultural programs.

These activities provided an opportunity to share professional expertise, exchange operational best practices and strengthen mutual understanding.

The sea phase focused on a range of joint operational activities, including coordinated manoeuvring exercises, integrated communications drills, helicopter operations and medical evacuation procedures. Through these exercises, participating units refined joint operating procedures and improved their ability to work together effectively during maritime missions.

Sporting and cultural interactions further strengthened camaraderie between sailors from both navies, reinforcing the longstanding naval relationship and spirit of cooperation shared by India and Russia.

The successful completion of INDRA 2026 reaffirmed the broader defence and maritime partnership between the two countries. The exercise highlighted the importance of regular naval engagement, combined training and operational interaction in addressing common maritime challenges and enhancing regional maritime security.

It also underscored the commitment of the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy to expanding professional cooperation while contributing to a secure, stable and peaceful maritime environment through sustained bilateral naval collaboration.

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Russian Pacific Fleet Commander Meets Indian Navy Leadership During Kochi Visit

Russian Rear Admiral Evgeny Myasoyedov, the senior officer of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet ships group, met Rear Admiral Prakash Gopalan, Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy's Southern Naval Command, in Kochi on Saturday as part of an ongoing goodwill visit by Russian naval vessels to India.

The Russian Embassy described the visit as an important element of the continuing naval engagement between the two countries. In a post on X, the Embassy stated: “The goodwill visit of the Russian Pacific Fleet ships to Kochi is ongoing. As part of the program, Rear Admiral Evgeny Myasoyedov, Senior Officer of the Russian Ships group called on Rear Admiral Prakash Gopalan, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, Indian Navy.”

The meeting coincides with the presence of three Russian Pacific Fleet vessels at Kochi port. The ships, which arrived on 21 October, include the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs, and the fleet tanker Pechenga. The Russian Embassy had earlier announced their arrival in Kerala as part of a goodwill mission aimed at strengthening maritime ties with India.

The latest interaction follows the successful conduct of Exercise INDRA 2026, the bilateral naval exercise held between the Indian and Russian navies from 13 to 18 October. The exercise was designed to enhance operational coordination, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two maritime forces.

The harbour phase of the exercise commenced in Vladivostok, where personnel from the Indian Navy's INS Sahyadri and the Russian Navy participated in a series of professional exchanges. Activities included cross-deck visits, planning conferences between the crews of INS Sahyadri and the Russian naval vessel Aldar Tsydenzhapov, as well as meetings with senior Russian naval officials.

According to the Indian Navy, these engagements demonstrated the shared commitment of both nations to deepen maritime cooperation and improve operational coordination across a range of naval activities.

India's involvement in such bilateral naval engagements is aligned with the Government of India's MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

The initiative underscores New Delhi's broader objective of strengthening maritime security partnerships and promoting cooperative engagement across the Indo-Pacific, while reflecting the enduring defence relationship between India and Russia.

ANI

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Indian Army, Navy And IAF Place Major BrahMos Orders; Meeting Deliveries Becomes Company's Top Priority

BrahMos prioritises Army, Navy and Air Force orders as production runs at full capacity

BrahMos Aerospace has identified the fulfilment of major orders from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force as its foremost priority for the next five years, reflecting the growing reliance of all three Services on the supersonic cruise missile under significant procurement contracts, The Week reported.

With a robust domestic order book already in place, the company is scaling up manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing its supply chain to ensure timely deliveries. BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi emphasised that meeting commitments to the armed forces remains the organisation’s central objective.

“We have a robust order book from the domestic front. All three Services are taking the BrahMos missile, and we have major contracts. The domestic front also looks very buoyant. We are committed to fulfilling all these orders in a time-bound manner,” Joshi said.

He reiterated that both short-term and long-term planning are focused on executing existing contracts. “In the near term and the long term, the priority is to complete the orders that we have received so far from the armed forces.”

To support this effort, BrahMos Aerospace is expanding production capacity while simultaneously strengthening its supplier network. The company is also creating additional surge capacity that can be activated rapidly if operational requirements increase unexpectedly.

“We are strengthening the supply chain to meet the growing demand and also build surge capacity in case of any eventuality,” Joshi noted.

According to the company chief, manufacturing facilities located in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani and Lucknow are currently operating at full capacity. The Lucknow plant, the newest addition to the production network, has become an important part of ongoing missile and system deliveries.

Alongside production expansion, the company is continuing efforts to improve supply-chain resilience, ensuring that rising demand from the armed forces can be met without delays. BrahMos Aerospace has also indicated that research and development activities linked to future missile programmes are progressing in parallel with current production commitments.

Joshi highlighted the missile’s performance during Operation Sindoor, stating that the operation demonstrated BrahMos’ effectiveness in modern, high-intensity warfare environments. He said the missile proved its operational value during complex military missions and underscored its ability to evade detection by hostile radar and air-defence warning systems.

The company is also pursuing cost-efficiency measures through greater indigenisation and manufacturing optimisation. As the proportion of Indian-made components and materials increases, production costs have begun to decline.

According to Joshi, the cost of raw materials used in mechanical components has fallen by around 20 per cent over the past two years. He attributed this reduction to a broader vendor base, higher manufacturing efficiency, value-engineering initiatives, re-engineering efforts, improved forging techniques and better component-production processes that reduce material wastage while boosting output.

The strong domestic demand comes at a time when BrahMos Aerospace is also enhancing its industrial ecosystem and production readiness amid rising international interest in the missile system.

Recent company statements indicate that growing export opportunities and continued armed forces procurement are driving sustained investment in manufacturing infrastructure, supply-chain depth and future capacity expansion.

Agencies

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India, Italy Move To Institutionalise Naval Ties And Expand Maritime Security Cooperation

India and Italy have taken further steps to strengthen their maritime partnership, with senior naval leadership from both countries holding discussions in New Delhi on institutionalising bilateral naval engagements, enhancing operational cooperation, expanding collaboration on shared maritime security priorities, and increasing professional exchanges.

During an official visit to India, Italian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto was received by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi.

The discussions were held against the backdrop of the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and focused on creating more structured Navy-to-Navy engagement mechanisms. This includes regular bilateral naval exercises, Staff Talks, deeper maritime interactions and greater interoperability between the two navies. Both sides also explored opportunities to widen cooperation in multilateral maritime forums and strengthen training exchanges and the sharing of professional best practices.

Highlighting the outcome of the engagement, the Indian Navy stated: "Adm Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of Staff, Italian Navy, on an official visit to India, was received by Adm Krishna Swaminathan, CNS, and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns, New Delhi. Building on the momentum of the India–Italy Special Strategic Partnership, discussions focused on institutionalising Navy-to-Navy engagements, including bilateral naval exercises and Staff Talks."

The Navy further noted that discussions centred on "Deepening operational cooperation through enhanced maritime interactions and interoperability. Expanding multilateral cooperation on shared maritime security priorities. Strengthening professional exchanges through training and sharing of best practices."

The visit follows the arrival of the Italian Navy’s Multi-Purpose Combat Ship Giovanni delle Bande Nere in Mumbai on 21 October as part of Italy’s wider Indo-Pacific deployment. The ship’s port call underscored Rome’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, where maritime security, freedom of navigation and the protection of critical sea lanes have become increasingly important strategic priorities for regional and extra-regional powers alike.

Welcoming the vessel, Italy’s Consul General in Mumbai, Walter Ferrara, described the deployment as an opportunity to promote naval diplomacy, international cooperation and Italy’s excellence in defence technology and innovation. The Italian Consulate also highlighted the country’s commitment to working with partner navies, safeguarding maritime communication routes and reinforcing freedom of navigation, while celebrating the enduring friendship between India and Italy.

The expanding naval relationship forms part of a broader strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries across security and strategic domains. Earlier this month, India and Italy concluded discussions covering cooperation in counter-terrorism and organised crime, including efforts to combat drug trafficking and address emerging regional and global terrorist threats.

These deliberations took place during the sixth session of the India-Italy Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime and the second meeting of the India-Italy Permanent Task Force on Countering Financing of Terrorism, held in New Delhi on 6-7 October.

The meetings were co-chaired by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary for Counter Terrorism in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Paolo Mari, Joint Secretary for G7-G20, Transnational Threats and Integrated Strategy at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Counter-terrorism officials from both nations participated in the discussions.

"Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, the two sides reiterated their condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025," the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

India and Italy also reaffirmed the need to counter the misuse of emerging technologies, including information, communication and financial technologies, for terrorist purposes.

Both sides discussed expanding capacity-building initiatives and strengthening information-sharing frameworks to address evolving and non-traditional security threats, reflecting the growing strategic depth of the India-Italy partnership across both maritime and security domains.

ANI

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India's Nuclear Triad: The Quiet Strategic Achievement That Places India Among the World's Most Powerful Nuclear States

A little-known but highly significant reality about India's strategic capabilities should command the attention of every citizen.

India possesses the ability to launch a nuclear weapon from land, from the air, and from beneath the sea. This capability is known as a nuclear triad, one of the most sophisticated and strategically significant military achievements any nation can attain. According to available information, only a very small group of countries have successfully established a fully operational nuclear triad, placing India among an exclusive circle of major powers.

The concept sounds straightforward in theory.

In practice, it represents decades of scientific innovation, strategic planning, technological development, and national investment. A nuclear triad consists of three separate delivery systems for nuclear weapons.

The first component is land-based missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads over considerable distances. The second component is aircraft that can deliver nuclear weapons from the air. The third and most challenging component is a sea-based platform, typically a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine capable of launching nuclear-armed missiles while remaining hidden beneath the ocean's surface. The sea-based element is widely regarded as the most difficult part of the triad to develop.

Building a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine requires mastery of advanced nuclear engineering, submarine construction, stealth technologies, underwater communications, missile integration, and long-duration undersea operations.

Only a handful of nations have managed to overcome these technological hurdles.

India joined that select group through the development of INS Arihant, the country's first indigenously designed and built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

INS Arihant represents far more than a military platform. It symbolises India's ability to develop some of the world's most complex strategic technologies at home. The submarine emerged from years of indigenous research and development under the Advanced Technology Vessel program, involving close cooperation between the Indian Navy, Indian scientific institutions, and the country's strategic research establishments.

The successful deployment of INS Arihant completed the sea-based leg of India's nuclear deterrent. This achievement transformed India's nuclear posture. It ensured that the nation could maintain a credible retaliatory capability even in the most extreme circumstances.

The significance of a nuclear triad is often misunderstood. Its primary purpose is not to facilitate aggression. Nor is it designed to make war more likely. On the contrary, the entire logic behind a nuclear triad is rooted in deterrence.

A country that can retaliate decisively after suffering an attack becomes extremely difficult to coerce or intimidate. The sea-based component is particularly important because of its survivability. A nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine can remain hidden underwater for extended periods.

Its location is extremely difficult for an adversary to determine.

As a result, even if an opponent were somehow able to strike land-based targets and air bases, a concealed submarine could still respond. This principle is known as second-strike capability.

Second-strike capability lies at the heart of modern nuclear deterrence.

Potential adversaries understand that a successful first strike would not eliminate a nation's ability to retaliate. Consequently, the incentive to launch such an attack is greatly reduced. The result is strategic stability. This is why nuclear-armed submarines are often considered the most survivable and credible element of a nuclear deterrent.

India's nuclear doctrine places considerable emphasis on responsible deterrence. The country's strategic framework has long been associated with maintaining a credible minimum deterrent while supporting a No First Use policy. Within such a framework, a survivable sea-based capability assumes even greater importance because it guarantees the ability to respond if attacked.

The completion of India's nuclear triad therefore marked a historic milestone.

It demonstrated that India could not only develop nuclear weapons but also establish multiple independent systems capable of delivering them under a variety of circumstances. More importantly, it demonstrated technological self-reliance in one of the most demanding areas of modern defence engineering. The original observation remains as relevant today as ever:

"India can launch a nuclear weapon from land, from the air, AND from under the sea."

That capability places India in an exceptionally exclusive strategic category. The achievement extends beyond military power.

It reflects decades of national effort in science, engineering, shipbuilding, nuclear technology, and strategic planning. Most importantly, it provides the assurance that no adversary can realistically expect to eliminate India's nuclear deterrent through a single surprise attack.

As the original statement notes, "A triad isn't about attacking. It's about guaranteeing that no one can ever wipe you out in one blow — and therefore, no one tries."

That principle remains the foundation of nuclear deterrence throughout the modern world. India did not purchase this strategic shield from another country. It developed it through indigenous capability, long-term investment, and sustained technological advancement.

The result is a strategic asset that strengthens national security, reinforces deterrence, and places India among a very small group of nations capable of maintaining a complete and operational nuclear triad.

A nuclear triad is not designed for aggression. Its purpose is to ensure that no adversary can destroy a nation’s retaliatory capability in a single strike—thereby removing any incentive to attempt one.

India did not buy that security. It built it.

Agencies

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Indian Navy Tests Rafale Marine In Goa As Carrier Tweaks Planned For Fleet Integration

The Indian Navy is carrying out a fresh series of trials involving the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft at its Shore-Based Test Facility in Goa as it prepares for the induction of the French-built naval combat jet into frontline carrier operations, New Indian Express reported.

The ongoing evaluation is also helping the service determine whether limited modifications may be required aboard its aircraft carriers to support the aircraft's routine deployment and handling.

According to sources within the defence establishment, the potential changes are largely linked to the Rafale Marine's wing configuration. Unlike the MiG-29K currently operated by the Navy, the Rafale Marine does not feature folding wings, resulting in a larger footprint when parked, moved or stored aboard a carrier.

The fighter has a wingspan of approximately 10.9 metres, which means carrier crews must assess how efficiently the aircraft can be accommodated within hangars, lifts and flight-deck operating areas while maintaining sortie-generation rates during operational deployments.

Officials indicated that any required alterations to INS Vikramaditya or the indigenously built INS Vikrant would be minor in nature. Considerations relating to aircraft compatibility, handling arrangements and onboard infrastructure were reportedly discussed during the contract negotiations with France.

A key focus of the ongoing effort is ensuring the aircraft can be moved smoothly between the flight deck and the carrier hangar, where available space is inherently limited. Naval planners are reviewing these practical aspects while trials continue.

The testing campaign is taking place at the Shore-Based Test Facility at INS Hansa in Goa. The installation replicates the ski-jump launch system used by Indian aircraft carriers and allows the Navy to evaluate aircraft performance, deck procedures and operational concepts in a controlled shore environment before deployment at sea.

This is not the first time the Rafale Marine has operated from the facility. The aircraft previously conducted ski-jump trials there in 2022 when it competed against Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet during the Navy's search for a next-generation carrier-borne fighter.

The Rafale Marine was originally developed for operations from France's aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which employs a catapult-assisted launch system. By contrast, both Indian aircraft carriers utilise the Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery configuration, in which aircraft take off via a ski-jump ramp and recover using arrestor wires. Validating compatibility with this operating method has therefore been an important requirement throughout the procurement process.

India has contracted 26 Rafale Marine fighters, with the aircraft expected to become a major component of carrier aviation, particularly aboard INS Vikrant. Deliveries are expected to begin from 2028, with completion anticipated by the end of 2028 or in the early part of 2029.

The acquisition is intended to strengthen India's carrier-borne air power while addressing long-standing concerns regarding the ageing MiG-29K fleet. The Rafale Marine will perform a wide spectrum of missions, including air-defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance and attacks against surface targets.

The government finalised the acquisition through an inter-governmental agreement with France valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore. The package includes 22 single-seat carrier fighters and four twin-seat trainer variants, together with weapons, simulators, training infrastructure, logistics assistance and long-term support arrangements.

The agreement represents India's first purchase of the naval variant of the Rafale and makes the country the first export operator of the aircraft. In addition to the fighters themselves, the arrangement includes provisions supporting the integration of indigenous weapon systems under the government's self-reliance initiative.

The Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Once inducted, the Rafale Marine fleet is expected to be capable of operating from both vessels, significantly enhancing the Navy's ability to project air power across the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

The aircraft is equipped with the Thales RBE2 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar and the advanced SPECTRA electronic-warfare suite, providing improved situational awareness, survivability and combat effectiveness in contested environments.

Its weapons inventory includes the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, MICA air-to-air missiles and a range of precision-guided air-to-surface munitions. These systems will give the Navy a substantial increase in long-range engagement capability and maritime strike effectiveness.

An important feature of the agreement is the planned integration of India's indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The integration will proceed following the completion of the necessary testing, validation and certification processes, further enhancing the aircraft's compatibility with domestically developed weapon systems.

With the Goa trials now under way, the Navy is simultaneously validating carrier-operating procedures and examining any infrastructure adjustments required for seamless deployment, paving the way for the arrival of the Rafale Marine fleet later this decade and the modernisation of India's carrier aviation capability.

Agencies

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India-Germany $8 Billion Submarine Program Nears Launch As MDL And TKMS Move Towards Final Partnership Framework

India’s ambitious effort to strengthen the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capability has moved a step closer to execution, with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) making significant progress towards finalising the commercial terms of their partnership for Project-75 (India).

The program, valued at approximately $8 billion, centres on the construction of six advanced conventional submarines in India for the Indian Navy. The project is regarded as one of the most important naval modernisation initiatives currently underway and is expected to play a major role in addressing the Navy’s growing submarine shortfall.

Recent discussions between the two companies have focused on establishing the commercial and industrial framework that will govern the partnership. The negotiations mark an important milestone as both sides move closer to transforming years of planning into a large-scale manufacturing and technology-transfer venture.

On 15 October, MDL hosted a high-level delegation from TKMS led by Dr Michael Goetz. The delegation met MDL Chairman and Managing Director Capt Jagmohan in Mumbai to advance discussions related to the Project-75 (India) submarine initiative.

According to MDL, the talks concentrated on shaping the commercial partnership structure required for the successful execution of the submarine program. The discussions reportedly resulted in constructive progress and reinforced the long-term strategic relationship between the two shipbuilders.

Both companies reiterated their commitment to combining German submarine-design expertise with Indian shipbuilding capabilities. The partnership is expected to deepen industrial cooperation while supporting a strategically significant requirement of the Indian Navy.

A major objective of the project is the construction of all six submarines in India with substantial indigenous content. The program aligns closely with India’s broader push towards greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the expansion of domestic naval industrial capacity.

The foundation for the collaboration was established in June 2025 when TKMS and MDL signed a memorandum of understanding covering the joint development and construction of six stealth submarines for the Indian Navy.

The proposed vessels are based on Germany’s Type 214 submarine design, one of the world’s most recognised conventional submarine platforms. These submarines are expected to incorporate air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, a capability considered essential for enhancing underwater endurance and survivability.

AIP technology enables conventional submarines to remain submerged for significantly longer periods without surfacing or snorkelling to recharge batteries. The Indian Navy had specifically sought a proven operational AIP solution capable of allowing submarines to stay underwater for as long as six days, thereby increasing stealth and reducing detectability.

Under the partnership arrangement, TKMS will provide design expertise, engineering support and technical consultancy throughout the project. MDL, meanwhile, will undertake construction activities and ultimately deliver the submarines to the Indian Navy.

The agreement also builds upon a long-standing Indo-German submarine relationship that dates back several decades. During the late 1980s, India acquired four submarines from Germany’s Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW).

Two of those submarines were built at MDL in 1992 and 1994, while the remaining two were constructed in Germany. Over time, HDW became part of TKMS, creating a historical link between the German company and India’s submarine-building ecosystem.

The progress in Project-75 (India) comes at a critical time for the Indian Navy. India currently operates 16 conventional submarines, but 10 of these platforms are more than three decades old, placing pressure on fleet availability and operational readiness.

Despite rising maritime challenges across the Indo-Pacific region, the numerical strength of India’s conventional submarine fleet remains broadly similar to what it was during the late 1990s. The ageing inventory has increased the urgency of acquiring modern submarines equipped with advanced stealth, sensors and endurance capabilities.

The Project-75 (India) program is therefore viewed as a key element of a wider underwater force modernisation strategy intended to restore and eventually expand India’s conventional submarine strength. Alongside the German-Indian initiative, several other submarine projects are progressing. These include plans for two nuclear-powered submarines, the leasing of a nuclear-powered submarine from Russia and a follow-on order for additional Kalvari-class submarines.

India and France have already collaborated through MDL and Naval Group to build six Kalvari-class submarines. A proposal for three more boats remains under consideration and could further enhance the Navy’s underwater fleet in the coming years.

Beyond the immediate requirement for six new submarines, the TKMS-MDL partnership is expected to bring advanced manufacturing processes, engineering know-how and long-term industrial benefits to India’s naval sector. The project could also serve as a major technology-transfer programme while strengthening strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Berlin in the maritime domain.

With commercial negotiations now nearing completion, Project-75 (India) appears to be entering a decisive phase, potentially paving the way for one of the largest and most consequential submarine acquisition programs in Indian naval history.

Agencies

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BrahMos Upgrade For Ranvir-Class Destroyers Could Potentially Double Missile Salvo To 16

India has moved ahead with a ₹661.5 crore contract for BrahMos Fire Control Systems and launchers that will support the upgrade of four Indian Navy warships, comprising two Ranvir-class destroyers and two Veer-class corvettes.

The agreement, signed with BrahMos Aerospace, carries an indigenous content level exceeding 68% and is intended to further strengthen the Navy’s maritime strike capabilities while supporting domestic defence manufacturing.

The contract specifically covers the supply of BrahMos launchers and associated fire-control systems rather than the missiles themselves. These systems are essential for integrating and operating the BrahMos weapon system aboard existing naval platforms.

Particular attention has focused on the two Ranvir-class destroyers included in the programme. These ships belong to the Soviet-origin Project 61ME family, derived from the Kashin-class destroyer design and built in Mykolaiv, in what was then the Soviet Union. Of the original vessels acquired by India, three remain in service today: INS Rana, INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay.

Available information strongly suggests that INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay are the most likely recipients of the new BrahMos launcher upgrades. Both ships already operate an eight-cell BrahMos Vertical Launch System positioned aft and remain among the earliest Indian Navy warships to have received the supersonic missile.

Importantly, both destroyers continue to retain four inclined launchers for the ageing P-15 Termit, also known as the Styx anti-ship missile, located forward on the vessel.

This has led to speculation that the old Styx launchers could eventually be removed and replaced by additional BrahMos launchers. If such an approach is adopted, the overall missile load could potentially increase from the existing eight BrahMos missiles carried in the vertical launch system to a total of 16 missiles.

However, it is important to distinguish confirmed information from informed assessment.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed only that the contract covers two Ranvir-class destroyers and two Veer-class corvettes. It has not publicly disclosed the precise launcher configuration, the number of launchers to be fitted, or the final weapons arrangement that will result from the upgrade.

The assumption of a future 16-missile BrahMos broadside stems largely from the configuration previously seen on the retired INS Rajput. That vessel was equipped with four twin inclined BrahMos launchers capable of housing eight missiles. When combined with an already-installed eight-cell vertical launch system, a similar arrangement on Ranvir-class ships would theoretically result in a 16-missile salvo.

Even so, this remains a projection rather than an officially confirmed outcome.

Another factor supporting the assumption that INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay are the ships covered by the contract is the status of INS Rana. Over recent years, INS Rana has been used as a test platform for the DRDO-developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile system and received related modifications. Its Styx launchers were previously removed, and the ship now serves a specialised role as a missile-development testbed.

As a result, analysts consider it highly probable that the two destroyers named in the contract are INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay rather than INS Rana.

What remains unconfirmed is the suggestion that the Styx launchers on Ranvir and Ranvijay have already been removed. Available reporting indicates that both vessels still retain their four inclined P-15 launchers. The documented removal of such launchers in recent years applies to INS Rana and not to the two destroyers widely expected to receive the BrahMos upgrades.

The broader significance of the contract lies in the Indian Navy’s continuing effort to extend the combat relevance of legacy vessels. BrahMos remains the Navy’s principal surface-to-surface strike missile, capable of engaging both maritime and land targets at extended ranges while travelling at supersonic speed.

The modernisation of older destroyers and corvettes allows these platforms to remain effective contributors to fleet operations even as newer Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers enter service.

At present, therefore, the confirmed story is that India has contracted for BrahMos launchers and fire-control systems for two Ranvir-class destroyers and two Veer-class corvettes. The possibility of creating a 16-missile BrahMos salvo on Ranvir-class destroyers remains a logical and technically plausible outcome, but it should still be regarded as an informed assessment rather than an officially announced configuration.

Agencies

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