Nuclear attack submarine for the Navy, AIP-powered submarines soon under P-75(I): Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi

Ahead of Navy Day, I raised two pertinent questions to the Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi: On P75I and AIP Tech Acquisition which is delayed and if the Tech might be obsolete by 2037-38.

In a first, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi outlined India's nuclear naval ambitions with two mega nuclear submarines with indigenously developed nuclear-powered subs—SSNs. While he put forth his bold and broad perspective on India's maritime ambitions, he also outlined the forthcoming submarine Project-75(I) which is delayed and awaiting final announcement under the strategic partnership (SP) model. He also said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the first two SSNs.

Notably, P-75(India) which is behind schedule is to be contracted for the Indian naval defence entity along with their foreign partners – foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

The delay will further extend the acquisition deadline and with all the sea-worthy operational trials and tests, leading to possible induction by 2037-38 as per the technical experts. The criticality of P-75I is also linked to the Navy's further expansion for Project-76 under which 12 totally indigenous submarines were to be built.

Navy's Capability Roadmap

1. 62 ships and 10 submarines are constructed in various Indian shipyards.
2. The Navy has the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) of 31 ships and submarines, all of which will be Made in India, including 7 X 17B stealth frigates and 6 modern submarines under P-75(I)
3. The Navy also has AoN for 60 Utility Helicopters(M).
4. The Indian Navy has signed the contract for a Tri-Services case of 31 MQ-9B HALE RPAs (of which 15 will be for the Navy) to augment their surveillance capability.