Over the course of several years, India’s efforts to bolster its naval submarine force have been characterized by ongoing delays and indecision.
Numerous large-scale initiatives have faced major obstacles, most notably the $6 billion proposal to construct six diesel-electric submarines. Progress has been halted by problems like bureaucratic obstacles, contractor concerns, and procedural delays during sea trials.
There is a clear disparity in the efficiency of defense procurement between the two neighbors, as this indecision stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s accelerated acquisition approach. The
In addition to administrative inefficiencies, India’s intentions for developing submarines have also been hampered by issues with cost and indigenization.
Project 75(I), which aims to purchase contemporary Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarines, has been bogged down in discussions about cost and content localization for more than 10 years. This has caused further delays and uncertainty around deadlines.
With many of its present submarines nearing the end of their useful lives, the Indian Navy’s fleet is gradually getting smaller, which exacerbates its strategic weaknesses in underwater warfare capabilities. The
In sharp contrast, Pakistan has quickly improved its ability to conduct underwater warfare by acquiring the Hangor-class submarines from China in a swift and decisive manner. Pakistan intends to deploy eight cutting-edge Chinese-designed diesel-electric AIP submarines over the course of the next ten years as part of a $5 billion agreement; the first is already anticipated to go into service shortly.
Pakistan’s strategic underwater deterrence will be greatly enhanced by this acquisition, which includes cutting-edge weapons, combat management systems, and sensors. This prompt decision-making acts as a strategic counterbalance in the region and reflects Pakistan’s emphasis on maritime strengthening. The
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Islamabad’s naval capabilities have accelerated thanks in large part to China’s role as Pakistan’s defense supplier.
The development of port infrastructure like Gwadar in Pakistan is complemented by the Hangor-class submarines, which are a concrete expansion of China’s strategic dominance in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean regions.
The operational and strategic disparity in naval readiness between the two nations is highlighted by Pakistan’s smooth integration of Chinese military technology, including these submarines, in contrast to India’s intricate and slower domestic submarine initiatives. The
Procedural bottlenecks, internal vendor disputes, and strict indigenous content regulations are the main causes of India’s submarine procurement delays. For example, disagreements between contractors during crucial sea trials have necessitated numerous investigations and delayed project progress.
India’s procurement difficulties are further highlighted by the cancellation or postponement of agreements like the one for further Scorpene submarines with France’s Naval Group. Together, these problems have led to a naval capacity gap, especially when compared to Pakistan’s swift fleet buildup through foreign purchases. The
With its existing fleet, which includes nuclear-powered submarines and the Arihant and Arighat classes that are now under construction, India yet maintains a technological and strategic superiority. However, if this advantage is not immediately rectified, the aging fleet’s progressive retirement and the absence of new conventional submarine inductions could undermine it.
In order to stay ahead of Pakistan, whose quick procurement strategies, supported by China, could upset regional maritime security balances, the Indian Navy is compelled to reevaluate and accelerate its submarine programs. The
Pakistan’s quick and calculated purchases from China stand in sharp contrast to India’s hesitancy and bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining contemporary naval submarines. Pakistan’s quick and targeted approach to military acquisition is shown by the Hangor-class submarine deal, which strengthens its naval capabilities ahead of India.
India must expedite submarine acquisition deadlines, balance domestic development with critical imports, and streamline defense procurement procedures in order to preserve its regional naval dominance and safeguard its maritime interests. The
The submarine procurement timeframes and program execution of Pakistan’s Hangor-class submarines and India’s Project 75I are summarized in the above table, which contrasts Pakistan’s quicker, China-backed procurement method with India’s slower, indigenization-focused approach.
