Deals for three subs, 26 Rafale aircraft likely next month, says Navy Chief
Contracts to produce three additional submarines and procure 26 new fighter jets for the Navy are likely to be signed by next month, Indian Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi said on Monday.
The Navy Chief, addressing a press conference ahead of Navy Day on December 4 — marking the Indian Navy’s attack on Karachi during the 1971 war — said structures were in place to monitor the presence of Chinese warships and submarines in Indian Ocean.
He expressed “surprise” at the growth of the Pakistan navy, which was being aided by Beijing, given the state of economy of the western neighbour.
The Navy Chief said the “repeat order of three Scoprene-class submarines is at an advanced stage. It’s just a matter of completing the formalities”. Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in collaboration with the Naval Group from France has already constructed six such submarines and five have been commissioned into the Navy. The three new submarines will be in addition to the existing order of six.
On the progress of French-origin Rafale-M naval fighter jets, the Admiral said: “The case for approval will go to the Cabinet Committee on Security and could be signed next month.” The Navy is looking to procure 26 new Rafale-M jets. It currently operates Russian-origin MiG-29K fighter jets from aircraft carriers.
Asked about the Chinese presence at sea, the Navy Chief said: “In the past one year, we have kept a close watch on the Chinese navy in Indian Ocean. We knew who was where in the ocean and doing what.”
The Navy Chief said they were aware of Chinese survey vessels and warships transiting the seas. “Anyone can operate, the seas are open to all. They can operate till they are not affecting our security,” he asserted.
In reply to a query on Pakistan, the Navy Chief said: “We are aware of the ‘surprising’ growth of the Pakistan navy and their aim to have 50 ships. They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people. Good luck to them.”
Several of these warships were being made in China or with its help. It was clear that China was interested in bolstering Pakistan navy, he said pointing to eight submarines being made by Islamabad.
On the recent commissioning of the nuclear-armed submarine INS Arighaat, the Navy Chief said it had added to the “triad” — the capability to launch a nuclear warhead from sea, land, air and from under the sea. In the naval parlance, such a submarine is classified as “ship submersible ballistic nuclear” (SSBN).
Admiral Tripathi said the Union Government had approved a project to design and make two nuclear-powered submarines — these do not carry nuclear weapons. Such submarines are classified as “ship submersible nuclear” (SSN). The first induction would be completed by 2036-2037. “The target is to make six such ship submersible nuclear,” said the Navy Chief.
In all, 62 ships are being manufactured and there are plans for building another 31, including the very powerful frigates of the Project-17B. The Navy, Admiral Tripathi added, was looking at getting at least 60 helicopters to replace the existing Chetak fleet.
