India approves Defense projects for nuclear submarines and Predator drones to counter China.

According to information published by the Times of India on October 9, 2024, India has approved two major defense initiatives aimed at enhancing its naval capabilities amid growing regional tensions. The government's recent clearance includes a project to build two nuclear-powered attack submarines and the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States. The combined cost of these programs is estimated at approximately $8.2 billion. The move is seen as part of India's broader strategy to counter China's expanding military presence in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
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Artist rendering with submarines, surface ships and drones. (Picture source: Generated by AI)

The submarines, part of the "Project-77," will be constructed at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. These nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) will feature conventional weaponry, such as torpedoes and land-attack cruise missiles. Designed for non-nuclear combat operations, they are expected to be highly versatile, with capabilities to strike targets at sea and on land. The first submarine is projected to be operational in 10-12 years, with the majority of its components sourced indigenously. Initial plans had called for six such submarines, but the approval for the additional four will be decided at a later date.

The drones, costing around $3.3 billion, will be divided among the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force. Fifteen Sea Guardian drones will be allocated to the Navy, while eight Sky Guardians each will be assigned to the Army and Air Force. These drones are capable of extended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-ship operations. The aircraft, equipped with Hellfire missiles and GBU-39B bombs, will be assembled in India over a six-year period.

The decision follows the commissioning of INS Arighaat, India's second nuclear-powered submarine armed with ballistic missiles, marking a significant addition to India's naval deterrence capabilities. With China's increased naval activity in the region, India aims to expand its own fleet of SSNs and SSBNs to enhance its underwater combat and strategic deterrence capabilities.

Additionally, the deal includes plans for General Atomics, the manufacturer of the MQ-9B drones, to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.

This arrangement will support the drones for eight years and facilitate local sourcing of components, which is expected to reach 34% of the total. It also aims to promote the development of indigenous high-altitude, long-endurance drones in collaboration with India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

The approval represents a step towards strengthening India's naval power to address the challenges posed by China's expanding maritime footprint, aligning with similar global strategies such as the AUKUS pact between the U.S., UK, and Australia.