The year 2024 marked a significant turning point for the Indian Navy, with a series of operational milestones that reinforced its global standing as a leading maritime power. Among the most notable advancements, undersea warfare emerged as a critical area of focus.

Operation Sankalp

• Indian Navy’s Operation: At the outset of 2024, the Indian Navy’s Operation Sankalp expanded its mandate, moving from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea. 
• Aim: This initiative aims to safeguard shipping lanes from piracy, hijacking, and drone attacks, while also offering assistance to vessels targeted by Houthis.
• Boost India’s Image: The Navy’s proactive stance in these regions has solidified its reputation as a preferred security partner and first responder for global maritime security.

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Advancements in Undersea Warfare  

• INS Arighaat: A cornerstone achievement in 2024 was the commissioning of India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighaat. 
  • Enhancing Nuclear Capabilities: This submarine, launched in August, enhances India’s nuclear triad and nuclear deterrence capabilities.
  • Different from INS Arihant: INS Arighaat mirrors its predecessor, INS Arihant, in terms of size and propulsion but incorporates a higher indigenous content and advanced sonar (can navigate in muddy waters) and propulsion systems.
  • Contributing to Undersea Warfare: These upgrades, including enhanced acoustic dampening, contribute significantly to India’s undersea warfare capabilities.

• Testing of the K-4 SLBM: One of the most pivotal tests conducted in 2024 was the successful launch of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from INS Arighaat.
  • Specifications: With a range of 3,500 kilometers, the K-4 missile places much of China within striking distance, thereby augmenting India’s strategic deterrence.
  • Results Are Being Analyzed: The test results are being analyzed, and the induction of this missile into India’s SSBNs will provide a potent composite weapon package.
• Project-77 (P-77): Recently, the Indian government approved the long-awaited Project-77 (P-77), which involves the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at a cost of ₹40,000 crore.
  • These SSNs, with delivery slated for 2036-37, will have over 90% indigenous content.  
  • The induction of SSNs will complement the role of SSBNs by enhancing protection and increasing India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
  • Upon their commissioning, India will become the only non-P5 nation to operate both SSBNs and SSNs, marking a significant leap in naval power.

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Conventional Submarines in India’s Naval Strategy

While nuclear submarines dominate attention, conventional submarines remain crucial to India’s naval strategy. The U.S. has also debated reviving diesel-electric submarines for missions not requiring nuclear capabilities.

• Project-75: The commissioning of INS Vaghsheer, the sixth Scorpene-class submarine under Project-75, is a key development in this regard. 
  • The Navy plans to order three more such boats, which will help fill the gap created by the decommissioning of older vessels.
  • Specifications: These conventional submarines are equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, extending their operational range and stealth.
• Project-75(I): In parallel, Project-75(I) aims to enhance India’s submarine fleet by introducing air-independent propulsion (AIP)-enabled submarines, in collaboration with Spain and Germany.
  • Specifications: This project is expected to increase indigenous content in the fleet, with the first boat likely to feature 45% indigenous components, rising to 60% in the sixth vessel.
• These developments ensure that conventional submarines continue to play a key role in the Indian Navy’s strategic operations.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)

• Approval for 100-Tonne UUVs: In a further push to modernize its undersea warfare capabilities, the Indian Navy has secured approval for the construction of 100-tonne Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) at an estimated cost of ₹2,500 crore.
• Benefit: UUVs would enhance India’s undersea capabilities by providing a low-cost yet high-return solution. 

This project reflects India’s strategic focus on leveraging niche technologies as key enablers to tackle the growing complexity and evolving threats in the maritime domain.  

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Challenges and Solution

• Budgetary and Procurement Challenges: There is a persistent mismatch between planned acquisitions and available funding, leading to delays in key projects. 
• Solution: Ensuring sustained funding, streamlining procurement processes, and addressing long gestation periods for complex projects are critical for the Navy to maintain its operational readiness and effectiveness.

Conclusion

By modernizing its fleet, embracing new technologies, and expanding its operational reach, India is reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring the security of vital sea lanes. As the Navy moves forward, continued investment in both strategic and technological capabilities will be essential for meeting future challenges in an increasingly complex global maritime environment.

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