In a significant move to strengthen its naval and coastal security, approval has been given for the acquisition of 151 boats for the Indian Navy and six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian Coast Guard. These approvals, which were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), come as part of a broader defence procurement package worth Rs 21,772 crore. These assets are set to play a crucial role in India’s maritime defence strategy, enhancing both the Navy’s operational reach and the Coast Guard’s surveillance capabilities.

The announcement comes just days before Navy Day, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s naval forces in line with the vision of a self-reliant defence ecosystem, as emphasized by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi. This acquisition plan aligns with the broader goals of enhancing India’s maritime security, as the Navy Chief detailed in his press conference earlier this week.

New Boats for the Indian Navy: Enhancing Operational Flexibility

The newly approved boats include 31 Fast Attack Craft (FAC) and 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC), designed for critical maritime operations. These vessels will primarily be deployed for surveillance, patrolling, and search-and-rescue operations along India’s vast coastline and near its islands. The approval is a step toward reinforcing the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly to maritime threats, ranging from piracy to natural disasters.

The FICs, in particular, are high-speed vessels capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 knots, and are equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins, making them highly effective in countering maritime threats such as insurgency and piracy. These boats will be essential for safeguarding India’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and enhancing surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean, which has seen rising geopolitical tensions and security challenges in recent years.

These new acquisitions are a direct response to the growing maritime security demands in the region. They will significantly bolster the Navy’s presence along critical trade routes, ensuring that India remains prepared to tackle emerging security threats. Additionally, these boats will provide operational flexibility, enabling the Navy to undertake rapid-response missions, whether for anti-piracy operations or humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.

Advanced Light Helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard

In another important move, the DAC has approved the purchase of six indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian Coast Guard. These helicopters, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to secure and monitor India’s extensive maritime borders.

The ALH Mk-III helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced radar systems, electro-optical sensors, and high-intensity searchlights, making them suitable for both day and night operations. The helicopters can operate from ships and are capable of performing maritime reconnaissance, search and rescue missions, and even medical evacuations. They can switch roles between an offensive platform, equipped with heavy machine guns, and a humanitarian one, facilitating the transfer of critically ill patients.

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This acquisition is aligned with the government’s ongoing push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The induction of these advanced helicopters will significantly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and secure sensitive maritime regions, including the waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The new helicopters will complement the Coast Guard’s existing assets, which play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of India’s vast coastline and territorial waters.

Navy Chief’s Vision for Future Readiness

During his recent address, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi outlined the Indian Navy’s forward-looking vision, which includes bolstering the fleet with over 90 new warships and submarines in the next decade. This modernization effort will not only enhance the Navy’s operational capacity but also address the growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of China’s expanding naval presence.

Admiral Tripathi highlighted that the Indian Navy is preparing for the induction of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) to complement its existing fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). The first two SSNs are expected to be commissioned by 2036-37, with additional submarines following soon after. The Navy Chief also emphasized the ongoing construction of Scorpene-class submarines, which will further strengthen India’s submarine fleet and enhance its deterrence capabilities in the region.

These new acquisitions come at a time when the Navy is also negotiating the purchase of advanced drones, such as the MQ-9 Reaper, and marine versions of the Rafale fighter jets from France. These acquisitions will provide the Navy with cutting-edge technology for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations, ensuring that India remains well-equipped to address emerging maritime security threats.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Regional Maritime Security

The recent approvals for 151 boats and the six ALH helicopters represent only a portion of the Indian Navy’s broader modernization strategy. These platforms are crucial to ensuring that India maintains a robust and responsive maritime defence infrastructure capable of addressing a wide range of threats, both domestic and regional.

The Navy’s focus on expanding its fleet and enhancing its technological capabilities comes at a time of rising maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. With a growing fleet of submarines, advanced aircraft, and now, an enhanced fleet of boats and helicopters, the Indian Navy is poised to play a more prominent role in regional and global maritime security.