India Launches Submarine Destroyer Frigate

According to the reports on Wednesday (15 January), India’s navy demonstrated its growing maritime strength by simultaneously launching a submarine, a destroyer, and a frigate at the Mazagon dockyard in Mumbai. This significant event highlights India’s strategic focus on the Indian Ocean region, a critical trade route and a theater of rising international power competition. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the shifting global importance from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, reinforcing India’s commitment to securing its maritime interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the commissioning of the naval vessels as a leap forward in India’s ambitions to become a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security. Among the vessels, the INS Vagsheer submarine is part of the French-designed Kalvari (Scorpene) class, intended to replace aging platforms and address capability gaps in India’s underwater fleet. With 16 operational submarines, India is fortifying its naval arsenal to match the challenges posed by regional rivals.

India’s P75 Scorpene submarine project, developed in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, underscores the nation’s progress in indigenous defense manufacturing. Discussions are underway for three additional Scorpene submarines, expected to be built domestically. However, these advanced submarines are anticipated to be commissioned by 2031, highlighting the long-term strategy to enhance India’s naval capabilities further.

India has also strengthened its maritime defenses with the commissioning of its first indigenous aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, in 2022. Alongside the Soviet-era INS Vikramaditya, the INS Vikrant reinforces India’s presence in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. With these advancements, India is bolstering its naval power to counter China’s growing influence and secure its strategic interests in the region.

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India Showcases Naval Power with Submarine Destroyer Frigate Launch