India and Pakistan are both actively modernizing their naval fleets to enhance maritime capabilities and address regional security challenges. With the Indian Ocean region becoming a critical theater for global trade and strategic interests, both nations are investing heavily in advanced warships, submarines, and maritime surveillance systems to secure their maritime borders and bolster their geopolitical influence. While India’s naval modernization is aligned with its aspiration to become a blue-water navy and project power across the Indo-Pacific, Pakistan’s focus remains on countering India’s dominance and securing its economic lifelines, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port. This maritime rivalry underscores the growing importance of naval strength in shaping the balance of power in South Asia.
India’s Naval Expansion:
Current Projects: The Indian Navy has 50 warships under construction, part of a broader plan involving 66 contracted vessels. These projects encompass a combined tonnage exceeding 200,000 tons and are valued at over ₹1.1 lakh crore (approximately $13 billion). Notably, 48 of these ships are being constructed domestically across six Indian shipyards, with two additional vessels being built in Russia.
Key Vessels Under Construction:
- Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) Destroyers: These advanced destroyers are equipped with vertically launched surface-to-air missiles and long-range cruise missiles. Three out of four contracted ships have been delivered, with the fourth, INS Surat, commencing sea trials in June 2024.
- Project 17A Frigates: Serving as the successors to the Shivalik-class, these frigates are under construction to bolster the Navy’s surface combatant fleet. Plans are underway for a follow-on series, Project 17B, expected to feature higher indigenous content and advanced missile systems, with a Request for Proposal anticipated around September 2025.
Future Plans: In October 2024, India approved the construction of two new nuclear-powered attack submarines, marking the beginning of a planned series of six. This initiative, estimated at ₹450 billion (about $5.4 billion), aims to counter China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean. These submarines will be built in Visakhapatnam, with involvement from Larsen & Toubro. Built with over 80% indigenous content, the ship is embedded with advanced hydrographic systems such as Multi Beam Echo Sounders, Side Scan Sonars, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) etc. These enable precise mapping for safe navigation and planning in deep-sea operations, expands survey capabilities in hazardous and restricted zones and facilitates faster and safer data collection for wreck identifications and environmental studies.
The vessel will contribute significantly to the Indian Ocean Region’s security and environmental health and strengthening India’s leadership in regional collaboration, scientific exploration, and peacekeeping missions. The ship will strengthen the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative by promoting shared maritime data with friendly foreign countries.
The construction of ship was a collaborative endeavour of Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, GRSE, L&T, SAIL, IRS and a significant number of MSMEs exemplifying India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maritime capabilities.
Indian Navy to Commission Three Frontline Fleet Assets: Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer
A Historic Event on 15 January 2025 – In a landmark moment for India’s maritime history, the Indian Navy is set to commission three advanced combat platforms—Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project—on 15 January 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
This unprecedented event underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing, with all three platforms designed and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Their commissioning will significantly enhance the Navy’s combat capabilities and highlight India’s strides toward self-reliance in defense production.
Cutting-Edge Advancements:
Nilgiri (Project 17A Frigate): The lead ship of the Project 17A class marks a substantial upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates. It features advanced stealth technologies that reduce radar signatures, making it highly capable in modern naval warfare.
Surat (Project 15B Destroyer): The final ship in the Project 15B series, Surat represents the pinnacle of the Indian Navy’s destroyer capabilities. A successor to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A), Surat incorporates significant enhancements in design, weaponry, and onboard systems.
Both ships were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and are equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems developed indigenously or through collaborations with global leaders. They also feature modern aviation facilities capable of operating various helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and MH-60R, with innovative systems like a Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and advanced visual landing aids.
Vaghsheer (Scorpene-Class Submarine): The final submarine in the Scorpene-class project, Vaghsheer, adds formidable underwater capabilities to the fleet, reinforcing India’s maritime deterrence and strategic depth.
A Milestone in Indigenous Shipbuilding : The commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer highlights India’s emergence as a global leader in defense manufacturing. It reflects the rapid advancements in warship design and construction achieved at MDL and marks a significant step toward modernizing the Indian Navy to meet evolving security challenges.
This historic day not only celebrates India’s naval strength but also sets a benchmark for the future of indigenous defense production, showcasing the country’s commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and excellence in maritime defense.
Pakistan’s Naval Expansion:
- Recent Inductions: The Pakistan Navy has recently inducted advanced warships, including PNS Babur and PNS Hunain, enhancing its maritime defense capabilities.
- Collaborations with China: China has been instrumental in modernizing Pakistan’s naval fleet. In January 2022, Pakistan commissioned the guided missile frigate PNS Tughril, the first of four Type 054A/P frigates built by China. These frigates are equipped with modern sensors and weaponry, including surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles.
- Shipbuilding Developments: Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) has enhanced its capabilities to support vessels up to 8,000 tons, indicating potential future projects involving larger ships such as frigates or destroyers. KSEW has already constructed four Babur-class corvettes for the Pakistan Navy, with the first two ships, PNS Badar and PNS Tariq, launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Strategic Implications:
The concurrent naval expansions by India and Pakistan reflect a strategic competition in the Indian Ocean region. India’s focus on indigenously building a diverse range of vessels, including nuclear-powered submarines, underscores its commitment to enhancing maritime security and countering regional threats. Conversely, Pakistan’s collaboration with China for advanced warships signifies a strengthening of military ties between the two nations, potentially altering the naval balance in the region.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of naval capabilities in South Asia, with both nations striving to augment their maritime strength in response to evolving security challenges.
Recent Developments in Naval Expansion
The recent commissioning of naval ships by India and Pakistan carries significant strategic implications and challenges for both countries, impacting regional security, economic interests, and geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and beyond.
Implications
For India:
- Strategic Dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
- India seeks to counter China’s growing naval presence in the IOR, marked by the Belt and Road Initiative and the establishment of bases like Djibouti.
- Advanced platforms like the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Project 17A frigates, and nuclear-powered submarines enhance India’s blue-water capabilities.
- Self-Reliance and Defense Modernization:
- The emphasis on indigenously built ships aligns with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.
- Local shipyards like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Larsen & Toubro are gaining expertise, boosting India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
- Maritime Security:
- Enhanced naval capabilities improve India’s ability to secure sea lines of communication (SLOCs) critical for energy imports and trade.
- India’s Navy is better positioned to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, anti-piracy patrols, and maritime surveillance.
- Geopolitical Influence:
- India’s naval expansion reinforces its role as a net security provider in the IOR.
- It strengthens partnerships through exercises like MALABAR, fostering closer ties with the Quad (US, Japan, and Australia).
For Pakistan:
- Strategic Balance Against India:
- Pakistan’s naval modernization, supported by China, aims to counterbalance India’s larger fleet and protect its interests in the Arabian Sea.
- The induction of advanced platforms like the Type 054A/P frigates enhances its maritime combat capabilities.
- China-Pakistan Nexus:
- The collaboration with China strengthens the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and secures Gwadar Port as a critical node in China’s maritime strategy.
- Chinese-built ships give Pakistan access to modern naval technologies and enhance interoperability between the two navies.
- Economic Interests:
- A stronger navy helps safeguard Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and underpins its blue economy aspirations, including fisheries and offshore energy exploration.
- Regional Influence:
- Pakistan’s growing naval presence may allow it to play a more assertive role in Middle Eastern and African maritime theaters.
Challenges
For India:
- Budgetary Constraints:
- Balancing defense spending with other economic priorities remains a challenge, especially given the high cost of nuclear submarines and advanced warships.
- Delays and cost overruns in indigenous projects have been recurring issues.
- Technological Gaps:
- Despite progress, India still relies on foreign technology for critical systems like engines, sensors, and weapons.
- Operational Readiness:
- Integrating new platforms and ensuring crew training and maintenance are critical for maintaining operational efficiency.
- Expanding its fleet necessitates enhanced logistics, repair facilities, and base infrastructure.
- Regional Dynamics:
- India must navigate sensitivities in the IOR, particularly with smaller nations like Sri Lanka and the Maldives, to prevent alienation and counter China’s influence.
For Pakistan:
- Dependence on China:
- Over-reliance on Chinese assistance for shipbuilding and financing limits Pakistan’s strategic autonomy.
- Quality and operational sustainability of Chinese platforms remain a concern.
- Economic Pressures:
- Pakistan’s struggling economy and high debt levels constrain its ability to sustain long-term naval modernization.
- Limited Shipbuilding Capacity:
- Despite improvements, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) lacks the capacity to compete with Indian shipyards in terms of volume or technological sophistication.
- Strategic Isolation:
- Pakistan’s naval expansion risks further aligning it with China, potentially alienating Western nations and Gulf partners.
Broader Implications for the Region
- Naval Arms Race:
- The parallel expansion of Indian and Pakistani navies intensifies the regional arms race, increasing the potential for conflict.
- Geopolitical Tensions:
- China’s role in Pakistan’s naval modernization could provoke strategic countermeasures by India, further polarizing the region.
- Impact on Smaller Nations:
- Smaller Indian Ocean nations may face pressure to align with one of the two power blocs, complicating regional cooperation.
- Maritime Security Dynamics:
- The focus on naval power could shift resources away from addressing non-traditional security threats like piracy, smuggling, and climate-related challenges.
Pakistan Navy: Future Plans and Strategic Shipbuilding
The Pakistan Navy (PN) is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance its maritime capabilities and address emerging regional and global challenges. Its strategic shipbuilding plans aim to modernize its fleet, expand its operational reach, and secure its economic and strategic interests, particularly in the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean region.
Future Plans
Fleet Expansion and Modernization
- Frigates and Corvettes:
- Pakistan plans to induct more Type 054A/P frigates from China, with four already contracted and two delivered (PNS Tughril and another unnamed vessel). These frigates feature advanced weaponry, stealth capabilities, and anti-air/anti-submarine warfare systems.
- Additional domestically produced Babur-class corvettes (MILGEM project) are being built in collaboration with Turkey. Four corvettes are planned, with the first two (PNS Babur and PNS Badar) already launched.
- Submarine Fleet Expansion:
- The PN is enhancing its underwater warfare capabilities with eight Hangor-class submarines (based on the Chinese S26 design). Four will be built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW).
- Indigenous submarine design and production capabilities are also being developed under the Project Azm.
- Unmanned and Coastal Defense Assets:
- The Navy plans to acquire unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs) to bolster maritime surveillance and enhance coastal defenses.
- Development of coastal missile systems and sea mines is being prioritized to strengthen the country’s littoral warfare capabilities.
- Aircraft Carrier and Amphibious Platforms (Long-Term Vision):
- While currently not feasible due to budgetary constraints, the PN aspires to develop or acquire an aircraft carrier in the long term to project power and protect its sea lines of communication.
- Amphibious ships are also being considered to support expeditionary operations and humanitarian missions.
Strategic Shipbuilding Developments
Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW)
KSEW plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s naval modernization by constructing a wide range of vessels, including corvettes, submarines, and auxiliary ships. Recent upgrades at KSEW include:
- Expansion of shipbuilding capacity to support vessels up to 8,000 tons.
- Construction of Babur-class corvettes, logistics support ships, and missile boats.
- Collaboration with Chinese and Turkish shipbuilders for technology transfer and expertise.
Collaboration with International Partners
- China:
- China remains Pakistan’s primary partner in naval modernization, providing advanced frigates, submarines, and weapon systems. The partnership includes technology transfers and joint production of critical assets.
- Chinese shipbuilders are instrumental in delivering the Hangor-class submarines and Type 054A/P frigates.
- Turkey:
- Turkey’s collaboration through the MILGEM project highlights Pakistan’s diversification in sourcing technology and expertise. The project not only enhances Pakistan’s surface combatant fleet but also provides training and technology-sharing opportunities for local engineers.
- Indigenous Initiatives:
- Under the Project Azm, Pakistan aims to develop and produce indigenous warships, submarines, and missile systems to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
- Efforts are underway to enhance the domestic defense industry’s capacity to produce advanced sensors, weapons, and propulsion systems.
Strategic Objectives
- Securing Maritime Economic Interests:
- The PN aims to safeguard Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which spans over 290,000 square kilometers, including valuable fisheries and potential offshore energy reserves.
- Protection of key infrastructure such as Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a top priority.
- Countering Regional Threats:
- Pakistan views India’s naval expansion and growing capabilities as a strategic challenge. Modernizing the fleet aims to maintain a credible deterrence and balance of power in the Arabian Sea.
- Supporting Global Maritime Security:
- PN contributes to international efforts against piracy and terrorism under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Task Forces like CTF-150 and CTF-151. Enhanced fleet capabilities will allow Pakistan to play a more active role in these initiatives.
- Expanding Blue-Water Capabilities:
- Transitioning from a brown-water to a blue-water navy is a long-term goal, enabling the PN to project power, conduct sustained operations far from home waters, and engage in regional and international alliances.
Challenges
- Economic Constraints:
- Pakistan’s struggling economy and rising debt limit its defense budget, impacting the pace of modernization and indigenous shipbuilding.
- Overreliance on External Partners:
- Heavy dependence on China for advanced platforms could limit Pakistan’s strategic flexibility and subject it to geopolitical risks.
- Operational Readiness:
- Ensuring crew training, maintenance, and logistical support for new assets remains a significant challenge.
- Technological Gaps:
- Limited indigenous expertise in advanced technologies like propulsion systems, stealth features, and integrated combat systems hinders Pakistan’s self-reliance.
Conclusion
The Pakistan Navy’s future plans and strategic shipbuilding efforts highlight its commitment to modernization and the establishment of a credible deterrence against regional threats while safeguarding its maritime interests. However, economic limitations and dependence on foreign technology remain significant hurdles. Strengthening indigenous capabilities and fostering international partnerships will be crucial to advancing the Navy’s transformation and enhancing Pakistan’s role in the Indian Ocean region.
On the other hand, the Indian Navy has been steadily advancing its capabilities with a focus on indigenization and self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative. With the induction of aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, cutting-edge destroyers, stealth frigates, and nuclear-powered submarines, India aims to project power across the Indo-Pacific and ensure the security of vital sea lanes of communication. However, challenges such as budgetary constraints, delays in indigenous projects, and the need for technological innovation persist.
The commissioning of new naval ships by both India and Pakistan underscores their strategic priorities and regional aspirations. While these advancements enhance their maritime capabilities, they also introduce challenges concerning economic sustainability, technological development, and regional stability. Addressing these issues effectively and exploring opportunities for maritime collaboration will be essential for maintaining peace and security in the region, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where shared interests could foster dialogue and mutual understanding.
