The Indian Navy has inducted six Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines under Project-75 at a cost of over Rs 23,000 crore.
New Delhi: In a matter of concern for the Indian Navy, India’s plan to enhance the stealth and underwater endurance of its Scorpene-class submarines has been delayed as DRDO’s Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system is still not ready. Notably, INS Kalvari, currently under refit, will not get the upgrade due to this setback, making it vulnerable to the submarine hunting radars of China and Pakistan in the Indian ocean.
Why next AIP Fitment is now pushed to 2026
The AIP project, approved in 2014, has missed multiple deadlines and is now expected to be ready by mid-2026 for INS Khanderi. Meanwhile, all six Scorpene submarines under Project-75 have been inducted, but lack key stealth capabilities.
Notably, the Indian Navy has inducted six Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines under Project-75, built by Mazagon Dock with French collaboration at a cost of over Rs 23,000 crore. Also, INS Vagsheer was the latest to join in January 2025. However, the absence of advanced stealth features poses a high operational risk to the Indian Navy in case of a naval conflict.
India Navy Chief visits headquarters of Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi was apprised of Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s (JMSDF) organisational structure, objectives and operational role during his visit to the Fleet Headquarters and the Maritime Operations Centre in Tokyo, on Saturday.
The engagements during the ongoing visit to Japan by the CNS lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation and mutual understanding in common maritime interests between India and Japan.
“Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, visited JMSDF’s Fleet Headquarters and the Maritime Operations Centre – the nerve centre of Japan’s maritime domain awareness. He was briefed on the organisation of JMSDF as also the objectives and roles of the Service. The visit and interactions in Japan pave the way for enhanced mutual understanding in key areas of shared maritime interests,” the Indian Navy posted on X.
(With inputs from agencies)
