- Views: 773
- Replies: 4
The Indian Navy has charted an ambitious course to significantly enhance its maritime capabilities by 2047, coinciding with India's centenary of independence and its aspirations to be a leading global power.
With a strong emphasis on self-reliance and indigenization, the Navy aims to commission approximately 94 new warships within the next decade, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding India's maritime interests and expanding its blue-water operational reach.
The Navy's expansion plans are already well underway, with 63 warships currently under construction. Remarkably, 61 of these vessels are being built indigenously under the "Make in India" initiative, demonstrating a significant boost to India's domestic shipbuilding industry. The remaining two warships are being constructed in Russia, showcasing the Navy's pragmatic approach to sourcing critical assets.
To further bolster its operational readiness, the Navy plans to seek Acceptance of Necessity (AON) for an additional 31 warships. This strategic acquisition will address emerging threats, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and solidify India's naval presence in critical sea lanes.
The indigenization drive is central to the Navy's vision, with Indian shipyards like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), along with private sector players, taking on prominent roles. Key projects contributing to this ambitious roadmap include:
- Project 17A Stealth Frigates: These advanced frigates boast cutting-edge stealth features and are equipped with superior weapon systems, enhancing the Navy's combat capabilities.
- Vikrant-Class Aircraft Carriers: These indigenously built aircraft carriers are a cornerstone of India's growing carrier strike capability, allowing for power projection across vast maritime domains.
- Next-Generation Destroyers (NGD): Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and weapons, these destroyers will significantly enhance the Navy's air defence and anti-surface warfare capabilities.
- Advanced Submarines: This encompasses both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines, crucial for dominating the underwater domain and maintaining a strategic edge.
