The Indian Navy is on the verge of securing two major deals worth a staggering Rs 90,000 crore by next month. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi announced this at the annual Navy Day press conference on Monday, outlining plans to finalize contracts for 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines.
These acquisitions represent a significant boost to India's naval capabilities and underscore the nation's commitment to strengthening its maritime presence. The Indian Navy has been in negotiations with France for the purchase of the Rafale Marine fighter jets, designed specifically for carrier-based operations. The additional Scorpene submarines will be constructed at Mazagon Dockyards Limited by the French Naval Group, complementing the existing fleet of six Scorpene-class submarines already operational.
These three new submarines will play a crucial role in enhancing India's indigenous submarine capabilities under the Project 75 India programme. The program aims to bolster India's ability to operate and maintain advanced submarines, solidifying its position as a major naval power in the region.
Admiral Tripathi also shed light on the Indian Navy's vigilance regarding extra-regional naval forces, particularly the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy), operating in the Indian Ocean Region. "We are keeping a close watch on the extra-regional forces operating in the Indian sea including the PLA Navy, the warships and even their research vessels," he stated.
He emphasized that while China's naval presence is increasing in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Navy remains steadfast in safeguarding India's interests within its own maritime domain. "Our reading is that it will manifest more in the Pacific Ocean and we are keeping a watch to ensure that our interests in the Indian Ocean region are not affected," Admiral Tripathi added.
In another significant development, Admiral Tripathi confirmed the successful launch of a nuclear-capable missile from INS Arighaat, highlighting the Indian Navy's advancements in developing and deploying advanced weaponry systems.