Indian Navy Boosts Capabilities in Response to Pakistan's Acquisition of Chinese Submarine

As Pakistan Gears Up for Chinese Submarine Acquisitions, India Expands Its Naval Capabilities

With Pakistan set to acquire eight Chinese Yuan-class submarines between 2023 and 2028, the pressure mounts on Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) to finalize a deal for constructing three additional diesel-electric Kalvari-class submarines in collaboration with France's Naval Group this year. This move aims to ensure that India's submarine production capacity, currently at 11, remains active throughout the year.

MDL is in the final stages of completing the last of the six Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines, INS Vagsheer, before embarking on sea trials. Simultaneously, negotiations have begun with Naval Group for the additional three submarines, which will feature operation-specific enhancements, indigenous torpedoes, and air-independent propulsion (AIP) for extended endurance. Notably, the heavyweight indigenous torpedoes and AIP systems are undergoing operational validation tests in France.

Presently, Pakistan operates one older French Agosta 70 submarine (PNS Hurmat) and an upgraded Agosta 90 B (PMS Hamza) equipped with French single-use MESMA AIP. Additionally, it has four Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines set to join its fleet this year. The inclusion of Yuan-class submarines, featuring AIP and potentially submarine-launched cruise missiles, marks a significant transformation in Pakistan's sub-surface fleet.

The three additional submarines currently under discussion at MDL are expected to incorporate more advanced features compared to the Kalvari-class. If the Indian Navy opts for pure diesel-electric submarines, they may be up to seven meters longer, accommodating additional batteries for extended submerged operations. Alternatively, they could be 10 meters longer to house the AIP unit designed by DRDO. These new submarines will feature advanced optronics, electronic warfare suites, and heavy-weight torpedoes with a 40-kilometer range and higher explosive content. They will also be equipped with upgraded SM-39 Exocet missiles, with future vessels potentially carrying SCALP 1000-kilometer range submarine-launched cruise missiles.

Moreover, the collaboration between Naval Group and MDL, marked by an MoU signed in July, opens doors for India to export Scorpene-class submarines to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and others. Additionally, Naval Group has entered into an MoU with Kolkata-based GRSE to jointly build surface combatants, including destroyers and frigates, for export to third countries. This strategic move ensures that the machine tooling capacity of both dockyards remains active and thriving.

India's submarine force strength has faced challenges due to the aging Shishumar (HDW) class and Sindughosh (Kilo) class submarines encountering spare parts issues linked to Russia's conflict with Ukraine. Therefore, the Indian Navy seeks to augment its sub-surface combatant capabilities to safeguard its 7500-kilometer coastline and maintain a credible deterrence against potential threats from Pakistan and China. The Kalvari-class submarines have been actively patrolling Pakistan's Makran coast and were operationally deployed outside Karachi and Gwadar harbors during Operation Balakot in 2019.

While the US Seventh Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, warned of a possible military emergency in Taiwan by 2027 during the 2023 Malabar exercise off the coast of Sydney, the Indian Navy anticipates that Chinese patrols or carrier-based strike forces, along with conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, will start patrolling the Indian Ocean by 2025-2026. Experts emphasize the need to promote India's indigenous submarine-building capacity, as it plays a pivotal role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) plan for defense and security.

Also Read:  Confirmed-Pakistan will have to wait for elections until next year

OTT India updates you with the latest news, The Country’s no.1 digital news platform OTT India. Keeps you updated with national, and international news from all around the world. For more such updates, download the OTT India app on your Android and IOS device.