The Indian Navy fleet is preparing a significant increase to its fleet of ships as more than 25 new vessels will be delivered and commissioned by 2027, as New Delhi is building up its naval presence in response to deepening tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and the increasing naval capabilities of China.
Major Warship Additions Under Indian Navy Fleet Expansion
The new vessels include four stealth frigates that will join the fleet under Project 17A, the delivery of two large survey ships, and 14 new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships designed to improve undersea detection and tracking capabilities. New support ships such as diving support ship INS Nipun, two Samarthak-class multi-purpose ships, five small diving vessels, and 11 next generation offshore patrol ships. Three cadet training vessels are also under construction.
India Targets 150-Ship Navy to Bolster Maritime Security
Officials believe the additions will bring the Navy closer to its longer-term goal of a fleet that will eventually reach 150 ships, which will help to increase India’s ability to secure sea lanes, develop maritime domain awareness for the Indian Ocean, and serve as “net security provider” in the area. The central government is building few of the ships in accordance with the central government’s program of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance). https://mod.gov.in
Chinese Naval Expansion Spurs Indian Response in the Indo-Pacific
The expansion is vital and comes amid the fast naval expansion of China and its increasing presence and influence in the Indian Ocean, which has caused concern for New Delhi. India’s strategy is fundamentally centered around maritime security, freedom of navigation, and capable Indian Navy fleet expansion. New support ships such as diving support ship INS Nipun, two Samarthak-class multi-purpose ships, five small diving vessels, and 11 next generation offshore patrol ships are also being constructed. The fleet expansion helps India in securing trade route and critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Malacca.
Challenges Threaten Timeline of Indian Navy Fleet Expansion
However, experts caution that the ambitious timetable faces challenges, including shipyard delays, budget pressures, and worryingly just the basic difficulty maintaining so many ships in working order.
A Defining Moment in India’s Naval History
The expansion is one of the largest increases in India’s navy in decades, explicitly cementing its intent to be more involved in security issues in the Indo-Pacific and abroad.
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