Naval Defence

Introduction: Why Naval Defence Matters for India

Think of it this way:  India is not just a land — it is a peninsula. Three sides face the sea. This geography is not incidental; it is destiny. Whoever controls the seas around India, controls India’s lifeline.

India’s maritime security is the foundation of its national defence, economic stability, and strategic autonomy. Here are the numbers that make this point crystal clear:

• Coastline of approximately 7,500 km
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of approximately 2.37 million sq km
• ~95% of India’s trade by volume and ~70% by value travels by sea

In short: if India’s sea lanes are threatened, India’s economy bleeds. This is why the Indian Navy is not a secondary force — it is a primary pillar of national security.

Warships and Naval Platforms

Warships are the backbone of naval power. Think of them as the armed forces on water — each designed for a specific purpose: air defence, anti-submarine warfare, escort missions, and power projection. The major categories of Indian naval warships are:

• Aircraft Carriers — the ‘floating airfields’ or supreme command platforms
• Destroyers — large, fast, multi-role fleet protectors
• Frigates — medium-sized escort and patrol ships
• Corvettes — small, fast, near-shore fighters

Aircraft Carriers

Analogy:  An aircraft carrier is like a moving military air force base in the middle of the ocean. It carries fighter jets, helicopters, and weapons — and can project power thousands of kilometres from India’s shores.

No nation uses just one ship alone; an aircraft carrier operates with a Carrier Battle Group (CBG) around it — destroyers, frigates, submarines, and support ships — like a prime minister with an entire cabinet.

Aircraft Carriers of India — At a Glance

Name	Class/Type	Status	Key Feature
INS Vikrant (Old)	Majestic-class (British)	Decommissioned	India’s 1st aircraft carrier; decisive in 1971 Indo-Pak War
INS Viraat	Centaur-class (British)	Decommissioned	Served as Indian Navy flagship for ~3 decades
INS Vikramaditya	Modified Kiev-class (Russian)	Commissioned (2013)	Main operational carrier; modified from Admiral Gorshkov
INS Vikrant (IAC-1)	Indigenous Aircraft Carrier	Commissioned (2022)	First entirely ‘Made in India’ aircraft carrier
INS Vishal (IAC-2)	Proposed Indigenous	Proposed	Next-generation carrier; planned with CATOBAR + EMALS

INS Vikramaditya — Deep Dive

• Originally a Russian Kiev-class carrier named Admiral Gorshkov; refurbished for India.
• Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2013.
• Operates MiG-29K carrier-based fighter aircraft + Kamov Ka-31 and Ka-28 helicopters.
• Launch System: Uses STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) system:
• Aircraft take off using a ski-jump ramp at the bow of the ship.
• Aircraft land using arrestor wires stretched across the deck.

INS Vikrant (IAC-1) — The Pride of India

• India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier — a historic milestone.
• Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• Design support from Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design.
• Commissioned in 2022.
• Aircraft: MiG-29K (fighters), Kamov-31 (AEW), MH-60R Seahawk (ASW), HAL Dhruv (utility).
• Also uses STOBAR launch system.

UPSC Insight:  INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is significant for both the Science & Technology and Internal Security/Defence sections. It represents India’s growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.

INS Vishal (Proposed) — The Future Carrier

• Planned as India’s 3rd aircraft carrier under Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) project.
• Larger: ~65,000 tonnes displacement (bigger than current carriers).
• Likely to use CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) — a superior launch system.
• May integrate EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) — same as US carriers.
• Can operate heavier aircraft, early-warning planes, and UAVs.
• Still under strategic and budgetary evaluation — project not yet finalized.

Compare STOBAR vs CATOBAR:  STOBAR = Ski-jump ramp + arrestor wires. Aircraft must be lighter. CATOBAR = Catapult launches the aircraft. Can launch heavier planes with more fuel and weapons. EMALS uses electromagnetism instead of steam — more precise, less wear on aircraft. INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya use STOBAR; INS Vishal may use CATOBAR.

Destroyers

Destroyers are large, fast, and heavily armed warships — the multi-taskers of the navy. They protect carrier battle groups and naval task forces, engaging threats from the air, sea surface, and underwater simultaneously.

Destroyer Classes of India — Summary Table

Class	Project	Ships	Status	Significance
Rajput class	Soviet Kashin (modified)	INS Rajput, Rana, Ranjit, Ranvir, Ranvijay	Decommissioned	First guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy
Delhi class	Project 15	INS Delhi, Mysore, Mumbai	In service	First indigenously designed destroyers
Kolkata class	Project 15A	INS Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai	In service	Stealth guided-missile destroyers; BrahMos + Barak-8
Visakhapatnam class	Project 15B	INS Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, Surat	Induction phase	Next-gen stealth destroyers with advanced weapons

Delhi-Class Destroyers (Project 15)

• First indigenously designed and built destroyers of India.
• Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Inducted 1997–2001: INS Delhi (1997), INS Mysore (1999), INS Mumbai (2001).
• Multi-role: anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities.

Kolkata-Class Destroyers (Project 15A)

• Stealth guided-missile destroyers — next generation after Delhi class.
• Built at MDL, Mumbai. Commissioned 2014–2016.
• Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• Integrated with Barak-8 (LR-SAM) long-range air defence system.
• Uses MF-STAR radar (Multi-Function Surveillance, Track & Guidance Radar).
• Enhanced stealth design — reduced radar cross-section.

Visakhapatnam-Class Destroyers (Project 15B)

• Latest-generation stealth guided-missile destroyers — upgraded Project 15A.
• Designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design; built at MDL, Mumbai.
• Inducted 2021–2024: INS Visakhapatnam (2021), INS Mormugao (2022), INS Imphal (2023), INS Surat (2024).
• Greater automation (fewer crew), enhanced stealth, BrahMos + Barak-8.

Frigates

Frigates are medium-sized multi-role warships — positioned between destroyers and corvettes. They excel in escort missions, patrol duties, and all-round combat operations.

Frigate Classes of India — Summary Table

Class	Project	Status	Key Feature
Godavari class	Project 16	Decommissioned	First indigenous guided-missile frigates (1983–1988)
Brahmaputra class	Project 16A	In service	Improved Godavari; built at GRSE, Kolkata
Talwar class	Russian origin (Krivak-III)	In service	Stealth guided-missile frigates; partly built in India
Shivalik class	Project 17	In service	India’s first indigenous stealth frigates
Nilgiri class	Project 17A	Under construction/induction	Next-gen stealth frigates; 7 ships planned

Shivalik-Class Frigates (Project 17) — Key Facts

• India’s first indigenously built stealth frigates — a major milestone.
• Built at MDL, Mumbai. Inducted 2010–2012.
• Stealth design: reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.
• Multi-role: anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Armed with BrahMos missiles, SAM systems, torpedoes, and naval guns.
• Integrated modern Combat Management Systems (CMS).

Nilgiri-Class Frigates (Project 17A) — The Future

• Next generation of stealth frigates — an improved Shivalik class.
• Being built at MDL (Mumbai) and GRSE (Kolkata) — showcasing multi-yard capacity.
• Induction from 2024 onwards: INS Nilgiri (2024), INS Udaygiri, INS Himgiri, INS Taragiri, and more.
• Modular construction — faster to build, easier to upgrade.
• Enhanced stealth, advanced sensors, and improved network-centric warfare capability.

Corvettes

In simple terms:  Corvettes are the ‘sports cars’ of the navy — small, agile, fast, and ideal for coastal and near-shore operations. They operate in shallow waters where large destroyers cannot go.

Corvette Classes of India — Summary Table

Class	Origin/Project	Status	Significance
Abhay class (old)	Soviet Pauk class	All decommissioned	ASW corvettes for coastal defence
Khukri class	Indigenous (Project 25)	Decommissioned	First indigenous missile corvettes of India
Veer class	Soviet Tarantul class	Mostly decommissioned	Fast attack missile corvettes
Kora class	Project 25A (GRSE)	In service	Guided-missile corvettes for anti-surface warfare
Kamorta class	Project 28 (GRSE)	In service	India’s first indigenous stealth ASW corvettes
Arnala class (new)	ASW SWC Project (GRSE+CSL)	Under construction	New-gen shallow-water ASW corvettes
Next Gen Corvettes (NGC)	Project 17A-style stealth	Approved/Planned	Multi-role stealth corvettes; 6 planned

Kamorta-Class Corvettes (Project 28) — The ASW Specialist

• India’s first indigenous stealth anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes.
• Designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design; built at GRSE, Kolkata.
• Inducted 2014–2020: INS Kamorta (2014), INS Kadmatt (2016), INS Kiltan (2017), INS Kavaratti (2020).
• Specialized for detecting and destroying submarines in coastal and littoral waters.

Key Roles of Warships and Naval Platforms

Understanding roles clarifies why navies need different ship types. Here is a role-by-role breakdown:

Role	What It Means	How Achieved
Sea Control	Dominate a maritime zone — allow friendly ships free movement, deny it to enemies	Aircraft carriers + destroyer battle groups
Sea Denial	Prevent enemy naval operations in a region	Submarines + missile corvettes
SLOC Protection	Protect Sea Lines of Communication — the highways of global trade	Escort frigates + destroyers
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)	Detect and destroy enemy submarines	Sonar, torpedoes, ASW helicopters, corvettes
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)	Engage enemy surface ships	Anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, naval guns
Fleet Air Defence	Protect fleet from aircraft, UAVs, missiles	SAMs + radar + CIWS systems
Power Projection	Strike far beyond national waters	Aircraft carriers + missile destroyers
Maritime Surveillance	Monitor maritime activity	Radars, sonars, ELINT sensors, helicopters
Coastal Security & Patrol	Protect coastline, offshore assets, anti-piracy	Patrol vessels + Coast Guard
HADR	Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief	Rapid deployment of naval assets

Submarines

Big Picture:  Submarines are the ultimate stealth weapons of the sea. They operate entirely underwater — invisible, silent, and lethal.

For India, submarines serve three critical strategic purposes:

(1) sea denial — preventing enemy naval movement,

(2) intelligence gathering — reconnaissance near enemy coasts, and

(3) nuclear deterrence — carrying ballistic missiles as part of the nuclear triad.

The Indian Navy operates three categories of submarines:

• Conventional Submarines (Diesel-Electric) — SSK
• Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines — SSN
• Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines — SSBN

Conventional Submarines (Diesel-Electric / SSK)

These are the workhorses of India’s submarine fleet. They use diesel engines on the surface and battery-powered electric motors underwater.

Key Characteristics

1. Diesel-electric propulsion: Diesel engines for surface; batteries for underwater.
2. Quiet underwater operations: On battery power, virtually silent — hard to detect.
3. Cost-effective: Far cheaper to build and operate than nuclear submarines.
4. Limited endurance: Must periodically surface or use a snorkel to recharge batteries.
5. Ideal for littoral warfare: Best suited for coastal and shallow water operations.

Conventional Submarine Classes of India

Class	Origin/Project	Status	Key Feature
Kalvari class	Project 75 (Scorpene design)	In service	Modern stealth diesel-electric submarines
Sindhughosh class	Russian Kilo class	In service (some decommissioned)	Long-range conventional submarines
Shishumar class	German Type 209 (HDW)	In service	Advanced sonar and torpedo systems
Project 75(I)	Indigenous (AIP-equipped)	Planned/Procurement stage	Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology

Kalvari-Class Submarines (Project 75) — Scorpene Design

• Modern diesel-electric attack submarines (SSK) based on the French Scorpene design by Naval Group.
• Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Inducted 2017–2024: INS Kalvari (2017), INS Khanderi (2019), INS Karanj (2021), INS Vela (2021), INS Vagir (2023), INS Vagsheer (2024).
• Advanced stealth technology — very low acoustic signature.
• Armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles (including Exocet).

Project 75(I) — The Next Big Leap

What is AIP?  Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) allows a submarine to remain submerged for much longer without needing to surface to recharge batteries. It uses fuel cells or closed-cycle engines — making the submarine far more dangerous and harder to detect.

• Next-generation conventional submarines planned under the strategic partnership model.
• Built in India through collaboration between an Indian shipyard and a foreign submarine maker.
• Will feature AIP technology — the key upgrade from Project 75 submarines.
• Six submarines planned; induction expected from the late 2020s.

Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines (SSN)

Why SSN matters:  Nuclear propulsion is a game-changer. A nuclear submarine never needs to surface to recharge. It can travel anywhere on the globe, at high speed, for months at a time — virtually undetectable. The SSN is the hunter-killer of the seas.

Key Features of SSN

1. Nuclear propulsion: No refuelling needed — unlimited range and endurance.
2. High speed: Faster than conventional submarines — rapid response capability.
3. Long-range operations: Can patrol distant oceans for extended periods.
4. Multi-role: Torpedoes, cruise missiles, advanced sonar.
5. Hunter-killer role: Specialized in destroying enemy submarines and surface ships.

India’s Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines (SSN)

Submarine	Class/Origin	Status	Key Detail
INS Chakra I	Soviet Charlie-I class	Returned to USSR (1991)	India’s FIRST nuclear submarine — operated 1988–1991
INS Chakra II	Russian Akula-II class (K-152 Nerpa)	Returned to Russia (2021)	Leased from Russia; inducted 2012, returned 2021
INS Chakra III	Russian Akula class (Project 971)	Proposed lease (mid-2020s)	Being refitted in Russia; delivery delayed
Project 75 Alpha	Indigenous SSN programme	Under development	6 indigenous nuclear attack submarines planned; ATV programme

Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN)

The Nuclear Triad — Core Concept:  India’s nuclear doctrine rests on a nuclear triad: (1) Land-based missiles (ICBMs/IRBMs), (2) Air-delivered nuclear bombs/missiles, (3) Sea-based submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

The SSBN completes this triad, ensuring ‘Second-Strike Capability’ — even if India is hit by a nuclear attack, an SSBN hidden underwater can retaliate. This is the ultimate deterrence.

Key Features of SSBN

1. Nuclear propulsion: Long-duration submerged operations.
2. SLBMs: Submarine-launched ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.
3. Second-strike capability: Ensures retaliation even after absorbing a nuclear first strike.
4. High survivability: Deep underwater, nearly impossible to find and destroy.
5. Strategic deterrence: Purpose is deterrence, not conventional combat.

India’s SSBNs — Arihant Class

Submarine	Programme	Status	Key Feature
INS Arihant (S2)	ATV Programme	Commissioned (2016)	India’s FIRST indigenously built SSBN
INS Arighaat (S3)	ATV Programme	Commissioned (2024)	Second Arihant-class; improved systems
INS Aridhaman (S4)	ATV Programme	Under development	Expected to carry more ballistic missiles
S4* (unnamed)	ATV Programme	Under construction	Follow-on sub; enhanced missile capacity
S5 class (future)	Next-gen SSBN	Planned (early 2030s)	Larger; will carry K-5 and K-6 long-range SLBMs

Arihant-class submarines carry SLBMs: K-15 Sagarika (~750 km range) and K-4 (~3,500 km range). The S5 class will carry K-5 and K-6 missiles with even longer range.

Construction: All built at Ship Building Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam. Reactor technology developed with Russian assistance under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme.

Comparison of Submarine Types — Quick Reference

Feature	SSK (Diesel-Electric)	SSN (Nuclear Attack)	SSBN (Nuclear Ballistic)
Propulsion	Diesel + battery-electric	Nuclear reactor	Nuclear reactor
Primary Role	Coastal defence & sea denial	Offensive — hunt ships & subs	Strategic nuclear deterrence
Underwater Endurance	Limited (must snorkel)	Very long	Very long
Speed	Moderate	High	Moderate (stealth priority)
Operational Range	Regional/coastal	Global long-range	Long-range strategic patrols
Weapons	Torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, mines	Torpedoes, cruise missiles	Submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs)
Cost	Relatively low	Very high	Very high
Indian Examples	Kalvari class, Sindhughosh, Shishumar	INS Chakra (leased), Project 75 Alpha (planned)	INS Arihant, INS Arighaat

Naval Aviation

Naval aviation is the air arm of the Indian Navy — the eyes, ears, and punch of the fleet beyond the horizon. Where ships cannot reach quickly, aircraft and helicopters arrive first.

Roles of Naval Aviation

1. Maritime Surveillance — long-range monitoring of sea areas.
2. Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) — detecting and destroying submarines.
3. Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) — strike missions against enemy ships.
4. Fleet Air Defence — protecting the fleet from aerial threats.
5. Search and Rescue (SAR) — rescuing personnel at sea.
6. Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) — signal interception and reconnaissance.

Components of Naval Aviation

Type	Platform	Role & Details
Carrier-Based Aircraft	MiG-29K	Operates from INS Vikrant & INS Vikramaditya. Air defence, strike missions, fleet protection.
Maritime Patrol Aircraft	P-8I Poseidon (Boeing)	Long-range surveillance & ASW. Equipped with torpedoes, depth charges, anti-ship missiles, advanced radar & sonar.
Naval Helicopters (ASW)	MH-60R Seahawk	Primary ASW helicopter. Detection and destruction of submarines.
Naval Helicopters (AEW)	Kamov Ka-31	Airborne Early Warning (AEW) — extends radar coverage of fleet.
Naval Helicopters (Utility)	HAL Dhruv	Utility, transport, and surveillance roles.
Coastal Surveillance Aircraft	Dornier Do-228	Short-range coastal monitoring and patrol.

Naval Weapon Systems

Naval weapon systems include all offensive and defensive weapons on warships, submarines, and naval aircraft. They enable the Indian Navy to conduct anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-air, and land-attack missions.

Torpedoes

What is a torpedo?  A torpedo is a self-propelled underwater missile — launched from a ship, submarine, aircraft, or helicopter, it travels underwater and explodes against an enemy ship or submarine. Think of it as a missile that swims.

Key Features

1. Launch platforms: Ships, submarines, aircraft, helicopters.
2. Guidance systems:
3. Active homing: Emits sound waves; tracks reflected signals.
4. Passive homing: Listens for noise from enemy vessels.
5. Wire-guided: Operator can steer mid-course from the launching platform.
6. Propulsion: Electric batteries or thermal engines.
7. Warhead: High-explosive; detonates on impact or via proximity fuze.
8. Designed for both deep-water and shallow-water operations.

Torpedoes of the Indian Navy

Torpedo	Type	Origin	Launch Platform	Guidance	Status
Varunastra	Heavyweight	India	Ship launched	Active-passive acoustic	In service
Shyena	Lightweight	India	Helicopter, ship, aircraft	Active-passive acoustic	In service
SET 65E	Lightweight	Russia	Ship launched	Wake homing	Legacy

Anti-Ship Missiles (AShMs)

Anti-ship missiles (AShMs) are guided missiles designed to destroy or disable enemy surface vessels. The most important one for India is BrahMos.

Key Features of AShMs

1. High speed: Can be subsonic (e.g., Harpoon) or supersonic (e.g., BrahMos).
2. Sea-skimming: Fly at very low altitude to evade radar — very little reaction time for enemies.
3. Long-range precision: Advanced guidance using INS + GPS + active radar seeker.
4. Multiple launch platforms: Ships, submarines, aircraft, and land-based mobile launchers.

Anti-Ship Missiles of the Indian Navy

Missile	Type	Origin	Launch Platform	Status
BrahMos	Supersonic cruise missile	India-Russia (joint)	Ship, submarine, aircraft, land	In service
Club S (3M 54E)	Submarine-launched cruise missile	Russia	Kilo class submarines	In service
Exocet SM39	Submarine-launched anti-ship missile	France	Scorpene class submarines	In service

Naval Air Defence Systems

The Layered Defence Concept:  Naval air defence is not a single system but multiple overlapping layers of protection — like concentric rings around a warship.

Outer ring: long-range intercept.

Middle ring: medium-range engagement.

Inner ring: CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), the last line of defence.

Key Features

1. Layered architecture: Long-range SAM → Medium-range SAM → CIWS
2. Integrated radar: MF-STAR (Multi-Function Surveillance, Track & Guidance Radar).
3. Network-centric warfare: Linked to Combat Management Systems (CMS) for real-time coordination.
4. Multi-target capability: Track and engage multiple incoming threats simultaneously.
5. Quick reaction time: Essential for countering sea-skimming anti-ship missiles.

Naval Air Defence Systems of the Indian Navy

System	Type	Range	Origin	Platform	Status
Barak 8 (LR-SAM)	Long-range SAM	70–100+ km	India-Israel	Destroyers, frigates	In service
Shtil-1	Medium-range SAM	~50 km	Russia	Delhi class destroyers	In service
AK-630 CIWS	Close-in weapon system (last-ditch)	3–4 km	Russia	Most major warships	In service

Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)

SLBMs are the nuclear warhead-carrying missiles launched from SSBNs, forming the sea-based leg of India’s nuclear triad. They are India’s most survivable nuclear weapons — because the platform (submarine) is underwater and almost impossible to detect and destroy before launch.

Key Features

1. Second-strike capability: Retaliation guaranteed even after absorbing a nuclear first strike.
2. Stealth and survivability: Launched from underwater — detection is extremely difficult.
3. Ballistic trajectory: Follows an exo-atmospheric (space) path to target — long range.
4. Secure launch platform: Deployed on SSBNs that can remain submerged for months.

SLBMs of India

Missile	Type	Range	Platform	Status	Role
K-15 (Sagarika)	SLBM	~750 km	INS Arihant	Inducted	Short-range nuclear deterrence
K-4	SLBM	~3,500 km	Arihant class SSBNs	Testing/induction	Intermediate-range nuclear deterrence

Naval Guns

Naval guns provide short-range firepower for surface combat, limited anti-air engagement, and coastal/shore bombardment. Though missiles dominate modern naval warfare, guns remain vital for close-range defence.

Naval Gun	Calibre	Origin	Rate of Fire	Role	Platforms
OTO Melara 76mm	76 mm	Italy	85–120 rpm	Anti-air, anti-surface, shore fire	Frigates, corvettes
AK-176	76 mm	Russia	~120 rpm	Anti-air, anti-surface	Kora class, Abhay class

Naval Projects of India — Master Reference Table

Major Warship Projects

Project	Class	Type	Key Feature	Status
Project 15	Delhi class	Destroyer	First indigenous destroyers	In service
Project 15A	Kolkata class	Destroyer	Stealth guided-missile destroyers	In service
Project 15B	Visakhapatnam class	Destroyer	Advanced stealth destroyers	Induction phase
Project 16	Godavari class	Frigate	First indigenous frigates	Decommissioned
Project 16A	Brahmaputra class	Frigate	Improved version of P-16	In service
Project 17	Shivalik class	Frigate	First stealth frigates	In service
Project 17A	Nilgiri class	Frigate	Next-gen stealth frigates	Under construction
Project 25	Kora class	Corvette	Missile corvettes	In service
Project 28	Kamorta class	Corvette	ASW stealth corvettes	In service
NGC (Proposed)	Next Gen Corvettes	Corvette	Multi-role stealth corvettes	Planned
IAC-1 (Project 71)	INS Vikrant	Aircraft Carrier	First indigenous aircraft carrier	Commissioned
IAC-2	INS Vishal (proposed)	Aircraft Carrier	Likely CATOBAR carrier	Planned

Submarine Projects

Project	Class	Type	Key Feature	Status
Project 75	Kalvari class (Scorpene)	Conventional SSK	Modern diesel-electric submarines	In service
Project 75(I)	Next-gen submarines	Conventional SSK (AIP)	Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)	Planned
ATV Programme	Arihant class	SSBN	First nuclear ballistic missile submarine	In service
SSN Programme	Indigenous SSN	SSN	Nuclear attack submarines	Under development
Project 75 Alpha	Indigenous SSN	SSN	Advanced nuclear attack subs — long endurance + high speed	Planned/early development

Challenges of India’s Naval Defence

Knowing India’s strengths is important. But for UPSC — especially for GS Paper 3 on internal security and defence — knowing challenges is equally vital. These are real, ongoing issues that the UPSC examiner expects you to critically analyze.

Challenge	Explanation & Impact
Expanding Chinese Naval Presence	China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy — Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka) — creates potential military bases near Indian Ocean. Growing PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) presence threatens India’s maritime dominance in the IOR (Indian Ocean Region).
Maritime Piracy & Sea Robbery	Persistent piracy in Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea endangers shipping lanes. Requires continuous naval patrols, convoy escorts, and international cooperation (e.g., Combined Maritime Forces).
Maritime Terrorism	Sea-based infiltration as seen in the 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks. Coastal cities, ports, and offshore assets remain vulnerable to small-boat asymmetric threats.
Submarine Proliferation	China and Pakistan operating advanced stealth submarines (AIP, nuclear-powered) in the IOR creates serious ASW challenges for India.
Coastal Security Gaps	7,500 km coastline — difficult to monitor continuously. Coordination gaps among Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police. Issues of fishermen identification and tracking of small boats.
Cyber & Electronic Warfare Threats	Naval platforms increasingly depend on networked systems and satellites. Vulnerable to GPS spoofing, electronic jamming, cyber attacks on communication networks.
Protection of Undersea Infrastructure	Submarine communication cables and offshore energy platforms are critical but nearly impossible to continuously monitor in deep-sea environments.
Technology & Capability Gaps	Shortage of submarines and Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs). Delays in indigenous defence projects affect readiness. Continued dependence on foreign tech for advanced systems.
Climate Change & Natural Disasters	Rising sea levels threaten naval bases and coastal infrastructure. Increased cyclones and extreme weather events impact naval operations.