By Ankit Panda
India will domestically produce six nuclear-powered submarines and seven stealth frigates.
The Indian government has cleared plans for the indigenous development and construction of important naval assets, including six nuclear-powered submarines and seven stealth frigates. According to sources cited by both Indian and international media, the decision was made recently by the Indian Cabinet’s Committee on Security (CCS). The total cost of these defense initiatives stands at an estimated $8 billion.
Inducting these submarines and frigates into the Indian Navy will broaden New Delhi’s strategic options in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the projects will help realize Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plans to indigenize defense production while modernization India’s military capabilities. As part of Modi’s “Make in India” campaign, the government is eager to build up a robust domestic military-industrial base while simultaneously lowering India’s reliance on defense imports. India is currently the world’s largest arms importer, relying on Russian and U.S. arms for a large portion of its needs. In recent years, India has developed some competency in indigenous production. For example, the INS Arihant, India’s first indigenously designed nuclear submarine, is currently undergoing sea trials.
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