IRIA News

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In a major step toward bolstering its military capabilities, India has approved the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines and the purchasing of 31 long-range drones from the United States.

These acquisitions are part of India’s broader efforts to counter China’s increasing military dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made these decisions during a meeting on October 9, 2024, however, due to the sensitive nature of the topic no official statement was released by the Indian government.

The cost of these new defense acquisitions is estimated at around $4.2 billion. The decision marks a significant move in strengthening India’s maritime and aerial defense capabilities, particularly in light of increasing tensions with China over territorial disputes in the region.

Nuclear-powered submarines

For the first time, India will build two nuclear-powered submarines domestically, equipped with conventional weapons. These vessels will be constructed in local shipyards, signifying a major advancement in India’s defense manufacturing industry.

Until now, only a few countries, namely the U.S., the UK, France, China, and Russia, could deploy and operate nuclear-powered submarines. This development places India in an exclusive group of nations with the technological expertise to build such advanced naval assets.

Nuclear-powered submarines offer several advantages over their diesel-electric counterparts. Unlike traditional submarines, they are faster, can stay submerged for indefinite periods, and are larger, allowing for more weapons, equipment, and supplies.

“The two nuclear-powered boats carrying conventional weapons will be built in local shipyards for the first time,” a senior official said. The added stealth and endurance of these vessels will significantly enhance India’s ability to patrol the Indian Ocean region.

The announcement comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific is becoming increasingly militarized. Australia, for instance, has partnered with the U.S. and the UK under the AUKUS security pact to build similar nuclear-powered submarines. This multilateral security agreement is aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the region. India’s decision to move forward with nuclear-powered submarines aligns with its role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a coalition with the U.S., Australia, and Japan focused on regional security.

The two submarines will help India monitor and patrol vast stretches of the Indian Ocean, where Chinese military activity has increased in recent years. China’s expanding naval footprint, including the construction of military bases and the deployment of warships in the region, has raised concerns among India and its Quad allies.

Long-range drones

In addition to the nuclear-powered submarines, the CCS also cleared the acquisition of 31 long-range drones from U.S. defense giant General Atomics. The drones, identified as MQ-9B models, have a flight endurance of around 48 hours and can carry a payload of approximately 1,700 kilograms. These drones are equipped to perform a variety of roles, from surveillance and reconnaissance to engaging targets with precision strikes.

The new drones will enhance the Indian Navy’s capacity to monitor Chinese warships in the southern Indian Ocean, which is critical as the Indian Ocean becomes an increasingly contested area. The drones will also provide additional support to the Indian Army, particularly along the disputed border with Pakistan in the Himalayas. “The MQ-9B drone can fly for about 48 hours and carry a payload of about 1,700 kilograms,” an official confirmed.

India’s decision to procure these drones follows a broader trend of military modernization, aimed at closing the gap with China’s military, which has made significant strides in both naval and aerial capabilities in recent years.

As tensions with China continue to simmer, particularly over disputed territories along the Himalayan border and in the South China Sea, India’s defense upgrades are seen as crucial for maintaining regional stability. By strengthening its military assets, India aims to safeguard its interests and contribute to the security of the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly seen as the center of global strategic competition.

India’s Ministry of Defense has yet to issue an official statement on these latest developments. Nonetheless, these acquisitions underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities in response to growing regional challenges.