Defence Technology

2024: A Year of Recalibration of Defence Engagements

Context: India’s defence production crossed Rs 1,26,887 crore in the financial year 2023-24. India's defence exports have reached an all-time high, surging from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24. The country’s defence exports are poised to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30. The year 2024 carried forward the ‘aatmanirbhartha push’ in the defence sector.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.

Mains: Conceptual understanding of India’s Military diplomacy and efforts in that regard. 

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Key Developments in 2024:

1. Breakthrough in India-China Relations:

  • The breakthrough in the India-China border talks were announced on October 21, 2024. It ended the four-year long stand-off that began after the Galwan attacks in 2020. 
  • Implications: 
    • Reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
    • The thaw in the relationship will help the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to formalise the jointness of the tri-services without any immediate fear of lurking danger at the LAC and the Line of Control with Pakistan.
    • It will also encourage the MoD to pursue modernisation of the armed forces to equip and train soldiers for the tech-driven future warfare.

Also Read: India-China Relations: Developments & Challenges 

2. Strengthening Military Diplomacy: 

  • Engagement with Russia: The Indian Defence Minister visited Russia to:
    • restore supply chain disruptions caused since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
      • expedite delays in acquisition of the remaining two units of the S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and Kamov helicopters.
    • explore Transfer of Technology (TOT) for maintenance of Su-30MKI frontline fighters of the Indian Air Force.
    • Most probable partnership with Russia as a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to locally develop a new engine (110 kN Class thrust) for an  advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for India. 

This move aims to restrengthen India’s military diplomacy with Russia. 

  • Engagement with the US: In August 2024, India signed a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) with the US, a milestone to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and supply chain resilience.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) report of 2024:

  • As per the Report, presently Russia accounts for India’s 36% of arms imports. For the first time, Russia’s exports of defence products to India have come down below half of India’s total arms imports. 
  • Despite the decline in imports, India’s military inventory has about 60% Russian-origin products. 
  • The US, France and Israel have filled the gaps left by Russia in the arms trade with India.

3. Advancing self-dependence in Defence Production: 

  • Co-development: HAL (India) signed a memorandum of understanding with General Electric (US) for the co-development of GE-414 engines (98 kN thrust) to power Tejas LCA Mk-2 fighters. 
  • Exporter of Defence products: 
    • Engagement with the US: India’s defence exports to the US have grown to over 50% of India’s total defence exports, surpassing $2.8 billion during the last 5 years. 
    • With South-Asian Nations: India is also putting its ‘Look East’ act together to restore defence engagement with neighbours like Sri Lanka and Maldives.
    • India is calibrating its strategy to successfully push arms sales in Africa and South America. 

Role of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM): 

  • SIDM is India's premier defence industry association that was established in 2017. 
  • It works in close partnership with the Government to create a supportive policy environment for the defence sector's advancement. 
  • It represents the entire spectrum of Defence and Aerospace manufacturers in India, spanning both the public and private sectors. 
  • The organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping key policies, including the:
    • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020
    • Draft Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2020
    • Draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020
    • Positive Indigenisation Lists.
    • Advocacy signing Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) between India and the United States. 
  • SIDM has strengthened the defence manufacturing ecosystem through innovative initiatives, like:
    • constitution of Defence Technology Incubation Council (DTIC) to nurture critical innovations.
    • constitution of Defence Export Promotion Council (DEPC) to boost Indian defence exports. 
    • Strategic partnerships with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for promoting procurement of Indian defence products and services.

Conclusion: The Indian government needs to bring a set of defence reforms to streamline policy on acquisitions, given that the tendering process is still complicated and lengthy, and to facilitate exports. SIDM can play a pivotal role in further integrating user/armed forces, MoD and the defence industry for achieving indigenisation goals and policy reviews for ease of doing business.

K-9 Vajra Artillery gun

Context: The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹7,629-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for additional 100 units of K9 Vajra-T artillery guns for the Indian Army.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about K9 Vajra-T Artillery gun.

About K9 Vajra-T Artillery gun:

K-9 Vajra Artillery gun
  • K9-Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer built in India. 
  • Built by: L&T with technology transferred from a South Korean defence firm (Hanwha Defense) based on its K9 Thunder.
    • They are being manufactured at the Armoured Systems Complex of L&T in Hazira, Gujarat. 
  • Each gun weighs 50 tonnes and has a firing range of 50 kilometres with high accuracy.
  • It is able to operate in sub-zero temperatures in high-altitude areas to its full potential.
    • The K9 Vajra was mainly bought for use in deserts but can be deployed in mountains and plains as well. 

Note: The Army has already inducted 100 units of 155mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T guns (the contract for which was signed between India & South Korea in May 2017).

Significance: 

  • It will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army.
  • It augments India’s long-range fire power in the Northern borders, enabling deeper strike with precision.
    • The induction of Dhanush, K-9 Vajra and M777 Ultra Light Howitzers has enhanced the reach of artillery firepower on the northern borders.
    • At the height of tensions in eastern Ladakh in 2020, Indian Army deployed one regiment of K-9 Vajra howitzer in Ladakh.  
  • The project will generate employment of more than nine lakh man-days and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs.

INS Tushil

Context: Stealth guided missile frigate INS Tushil was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia. 

RELEVANCE OF THE TOPIC Prelims: Key facts about INS Tushil.

Background:

INS Tushil
  • In October 2016, India and Russia signed a deal for four stealth frigates, two to be built in Russia and two to be constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited under technology transfer. 
  • INS Tushil is the first of the two ships to be constructed in Russia. 
  • The second frigate Tamal is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in Russia in the first quarter of 2025. 

Key Facts about INS Tushil: 

  • INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate (warship) under Project 1135.6.
  • Specification: 125-metre-long, 3,900-tonne ship.
  • All Krivak frigates are powered by engines from Zorya Nashproekt of Ukraine.
  • Operational capabilities: Designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic. 
  • Armament and Technology: It is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including:
    • Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles (jointly developed by India-Russia)
    • Vertically-launched Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles with enhanced ranges
    • Medium-range anti-air and surface gun with advanced stealth features
    • Optically-controlled close-range rapid fire gun system
    • Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets
    • Advanced electronic warfare and communication suite. 
  • The ship is also capable of embarking the upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31.
  • Speed: Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion plant with state-of-the-art controls, it is capable of achieving speeds in exceeding 30 knots.

Significance:

  • INS Tushil reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • Reflects collaborative prowess of Russian and Indian industries and technological excellence through jointmanship.

Indian Navy to sign Rs 90,000 crore Defence deals

Context: The Indian Navy is expecting to finalise the Rs 90,000 crore deals for 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft and 3 additional Scorpene submarines by January 2025. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Rafale Aircraft;  Scorpène-class Submarine; Project 75. 

Major Highlights: 

  • The Indian Navy has been negotiating with:
    • France for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft
    • French Naval Group for the construction of 3 additional Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagon Dockyards Limited.
  • The 3 additional submarines will complement the six Scorpene-class submarines that have already been built by the dockyard. From the earlier contract, five submarines have been inducted under Project 75, and the sixth is expected to be commissioned in December 2024. 

What is Rafale Aircraft? 

  • The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft.
  • Designed and built by: Dassault Aviation
  • It is referred to as an "omnirole" (conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions simultaneously) 4.5th generation aircraft by Dassault.
    • India had ordered the 36 Rafale combat aircraft from France in a Rs 59,000-crore deal in September 2016. The delivery of all the jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in December 2022. 
    • For the Indian Navy, India selected the Rafale M over the American-made Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. 

Read also: Rafale

Rafale
Rafale specifications

What is Kalvari-class (Scorpène-class) Submarine?

  • About: They are diesel-attack submarines based on the Scorpène design developed by Naval Group (France). 
  • Under Project 75, six Scorpene-class submarines have been constructed indigenously (at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Mumbai) with Transfer of Technology from France. 
  • The project was initiated in 1997, and five submarines are currently commissioned.

Submarines under Project 75 (Kalvari-class): 

  • INS Kalvari: Inducted in 2017 
  • INS Kandheri: Inducted in 2019 
  • INS Karanj: Inducted in 2021 
  • INS Vela: Inducted 2021 
  • INS Vagir: Inducted 2023
  • INS Vagsheer: To be commissioned in December 2024. 
  • Diesel Electric submarines: This class of submarines have Diesel Electric transmission systems and are attack submarines or the ‘hunter-killer’ type which are designed to target and sink adversary naval vessels.
  • They have the capability of operating in a wide range of Naval combat including anti-warship and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and surveillance, underwater mining operations and naval mine laying.

India tests nuclear-capable ballistic missile

Context: India has tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine off the coast of Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Ballistic missile, K4 missile, INS Arighaat

Major Highlights:

  • The K4 missile (range ~3,500 km) was tested from INS Arighaat submarine. 
  • It was the first test of the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from a submarine. 
  • Significance:
    • The missile test gives a major boost to India’s nuclear deterrence and strategic capabilities.
    • With this test, India has become part of a small group of nations having the capability to fire a nuclear missile from land, air and undersea. 

What is a ballistic missile?

  • A ballistic missile is a type of missile that uses projectile motion to deliver warheads on a target. These weapons are powered only during relatively brief periods and most of the flight is unpowered. 
  • Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) typically stay within the Earth's atmosphere, while other types of larger range ballistic missiles travel outside the atmosphere, re-enter the atmosphere to strike the predetermined fixed target. They are not actively guided like cruise missiles throughout their entire flight.
ballistic missile
  • Types of Ballistic Missiles:
    • Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM): Range- 300 to 1,000 kilometres. E.g., Prithvi-II (India)
    • Medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM): Range- 1,000 to 3,500 kms. E.g., Agni-II (India) 
    • Intermediate-range ballistic missile: Range- 3,500 to 5,500 kms.  E.g., Agni-III (India)
    • Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): Range- over 5,500 kms. E.g., Agni-V 
  • The missiles travel at extremely high speeds (up to 24 Mach) during their terminal phase, making it challenging for defensive systems to track and intercept them in real-time.
  • They can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.

What is the K4 missile?

  • K4 missile is a nuclear-capable ballistic missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 
  • Specifications: 
    • Range:
      • Full load: ~3,000 kilometres
      • Reduced load: ~4,000 kilometres 
    • Length: 12 metres
    • Guidance system: Inertial navigation system with GPS/NavIC satellite guidance
    • Circular error probable: <10 metres. 
    • Warhead capacity: weighing up to 2 tonnes
    • Powered by: Solid rocket propellant. 
ballistic missile- killer k-4

What is INS Arighaat?

  • INS Arighaat is India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, commissioned into service in August 2024. 
  • It measures 111.6 metres in length and has a submerged displacement of 6000 tons.
  • It is powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium. 
  • INS Arighat is equipped with ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is armed with a 750-km-range K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) and ~3500-km-range SLBM K-4. 

India launches 4th nuclear-missile submarine

Context: India has launched its fourth nuclear powered ballistic missile (SSBN) codenamed S4* (S4 star) submarine at Ship Building Center in Visakhapatnam to strengthen its nuclear deterrence.

 SSBN: Ballistic Missile Submarine

  • Purpose: Primarily designed for strategic nuclear deterrence. Typically, the submarines patrol in deep, remote ocean and remain submerged to provide a second-strike capability, in case of a nuclear attack.
  • Weapons: Armed with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) carrying nuclear warheads.   
  • Propulsion: These submarines are powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched Uranium. This nuclear propulsion system enables the submarines to operate quietly and remain submerged in oceans for extended periods. This is a significant advantage over conventional diesel-electric submarines that need to surface regularly. 
  • ​​Stealth Features: These submarines have advanced stealth features like noise-reducing coatings and advanced propulsion system. This makes their detection harder by enemy submarines and ships.

Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) in India

1. S2- Arihant:

  • INS Arihant was commissioned into service in August 2016.
  • It measures 111.6 metres in length and has a displacement of 6000 tonnes.
  • It is powered by an 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.
  • INS Arihant is armed with a 750-km-range K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), while retro-fitting of a 3500-km-range SLBM K-4 is under development. 

2. S3- Arighat:

  • INS Arihant was commissioned into service in August 2024. 
  • It measures 111.6 metres in length and has a submerged displacement of 6000 tons.
  • It is powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium. 
  • INS Arighat is equipped with ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is armed with a 750-km-range K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) and 3500-km-range SLBM K-4. 

3. S4- Aridhaman:

  • Launched in November 2021 (expected to be commissioned in 2025).
  • It is an ‘Arihant-stretch’ variant, i.e., slightly larger than INS Arihant. It measures 125.4 metres and has a displacement of 7000 tons.
  • It is equipped with K-4 submarine-launched missiles which have a range of 3500 km.
  • It is powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium. 

4. S4* (yet to be named): 

  • Launched in October 2024 (yet to be commissioned) 
  • The newly launched S4* SSBN has nearly 75% indigenous content. 
  • It is an ‘Arihant-stretch’ variant, i.e., slightly larger than INS Arihant. It measures 125.4 metres and has a displacement of 7000 tons.
  • It is equipped with K-4 submarine-launched missiles which have a range of 3500 km.
  • It is powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium. 

After S4*, the next class of Indian SSBNs will be double the 6000 ton displacement of Arihant class and will be carrying nuclear missiles upwards of the range of 5000 kilometres and beyond.

Main classes of submarines in service with Indian Navy

  1. Sindhughosh-class: Variant of the Russian Kilo-class submarines, these are diesel-electric submarines. E.g., INS Sindhurakshak, INS Sindhuvir, INS Sindhuratna.
  2. Shishumar-class: Based on the German Type 209 design, these are diesel-electric submarines equipped with advanced systems. E.g., INS Shishumar, INS Shankush, INS Shalki, and INS Shankul.
  3. Kalvari-class (Scorpène-class): Diesel-attack submarines based on the Scorpène design developed by Naval Group (France). E.g., INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer (to be commissioned in December 2024).
  4. Arihant-class (SSBN): India's indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). These submarines are equipped with nuclear propulsion and are capable of carrying ballistic missiles. Currently, INS Arihant (S2) is the operational submarine of this class. The second submarine INS Arighat (S3) was commissioned in August 2024. Two more submarines (S4 INS Aridhaman & S4* are launched but yet to be commissioned). 
  5. Chakra-class (SSN): Nuclear-powered attack submarines leased from Russia. Currently, INS Chakra-II (S1), the submarine of this class, is in service with the Indian Navy. Chakra-III is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2025.

Significance:

  • Nuclear submarines enhance India's nuclear triad, which includes the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. 
  • The submarine's ability to launch ballistic missiles from underwater provides India with a secure second-strike capability, a crucial component of its nuclear deterrence strategy.
    • In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests under Phokran-II, and in 2003, India declared its nuclear doctrine based on ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ (CMD) and a ‘No First Use’ policy while reserving the right of massive retaliation if struck with nuclear weapons first. 
    • With India’s no-first use nuclear policy, SSBNs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Nuclear Submarines) play a key role in deterrence due to their stealth capabilities and capability to execute retaliatory strikes.
  • The presence of Arihant-class submarines will strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence and strengthen maritime defence. 

Air Force plans to procure 12 early warning aircraft

Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF), which is short of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a critical force multiplier, is looking for the procurement of 12 new aircrafts.  

Major Highlights:

  • The IAF is planning to acquire 12 new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircrafts under two different programmes.
    • One of them is a follow-on order of six AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircraft.
      • IAF already operates three Netra AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircrafts. 
      • These aircrafts will be purchased from Embraer, while DRDO Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) will be doing the necessary modifications to their equipment.       
    • Another order pertains to six AEW&C systems under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that would be mounted on Airbus A-321 aircraft. 
      • The AEW&C mounted on the Airbus aircraft would provide 300-degree coverage. 

Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System:

  • Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) is a force multiplier system that uses advanced radars for detection & tracking enemy/hostile aircrafts/ UAVs etc. from a considerable distance (primarily long-distance). 
  • The systems use advanced communication equipment to share real-time data with operators onboard and on ground to identify, assess the threat and take actions to guide specific interceptors (fighter jets or surface-to-air missiles) towards the  airborne threats to neutralise them.
  • Significance: In Indian context, AEW&C systems can play a vital role to maintain national airspace security, especially along the China and Pakistan border.  

Presently, India operates two types of AEW&C systems: 

  • Netra AEW&C: 
    • Indigenous system developed by DRDO in collaboration with IAF. 
    • Mounted on Embraer ERJ-145 jets.
    • Netra provides 240-degree coverage of airspace. 
    • Range over 200 kms. 
  • Phalcon AWACS:
    • India presently operates three Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). 
    • The Israeli-made system is mounted on top of an IL-76 transport aircraft. 
    • Provides 360-degree radar coverage.
    • Detects aircraft at ranges exceeding 400 kilometres.

20th edition of India-USA Joint Military Exercise Yudh-Abhyas in Rajasthan

Context: The 20th edition of India-USA joint military exercise YUDH-ABHYAS 2024 has started at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. This edition of YUDH-ABHYAS has a significant increase in terms of troop strength and equipment employed in the joint exercise focusing on semi-desert environment.

About YUDH-ABHYAS

  • YUDH-ABHYAS is an annual exercise between militaries of USA & India ie Indian Army & USA Army.
  • First edition of YUDH-ABHYAS was held in 2004.
  • It is held alternatively in India and USA.

Significance

  • Enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of UN Charter.
  • Prepare a joint exercise to a terrorist action, joint planning and combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terror missions.
  • Share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting joint operations.
  • Facilitate development of inter-operability and bonhomie between the two armies.
  • Enhance defence cooperation between India & USA.

Submarine INS Arighaat

Context: India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighaat, was commissioned into service at Visakhapatnam. It joins the first such submarine, INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016.

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About INS Arighaat

  • INS Arighaat is an advanced nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Indian Navy. 
  • Class: INS Arighaat is part of the Arihant-class submarines, which are indigenously designed and developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
  • Displacement: It measures 111.6 metres in length and has a submerged displacement of approximately 6,000 tons.
  • Propulsion: The submarine is powered by a  83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium. This enables it to operate quietly and remain submerged for extended periods, unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines that need to surface regularly. 
  • Armament: INS Arighaat is equipped with ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is armed with a 750-km-range K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), while a 3,500-km-range SLBM K-4 is under development, having been tested for the first time in 2020. 
  • Stealth Features: The submarine has advanced stealth features like noise-reducing coatings and advanced propulsion system, making it harder to detect by enemy submarines and ships.
Missile submarine

INS Arihant:

  • INS Arihant was commissioned into service in August 2016. It has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes and is powered by an 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.
  • INS Arihant is armed with a 750-km-range K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), while a 3,500-km-range SLBM K-4 is under development, having been tested for the first time in 2020. 

The K4 will become the mainstay of India’s undersea nuclear deterrence, as it gives the stand-off capability to launch nuclear weapons while submerged in Indian waters.

Significance:

  • INS Arighaat enhances India's nuclear triad, which includes the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. 
  • The submarine's ability to launch ballistic missiles from underwater provides India with a secure second-strike capability, a crucial component of its nuclear deterrence strategy.
    • With India’s no-first use nuclear policy, SSBNs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Nuclear Submarines) play a key role in deterrence due to their difficulty in detection and their ability to survive a surprise attack and execute retaliatory strikes.

The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, strengthen maritime defence and establish strategic balance. 

Main classes of submarines in service with the Indian Navy:

  • Sindhughosh-class: Variant of the Russian Kilo-class submarines. E.g., INS Sindhurakshak, INS Sindhuvir, INS Sindhuratna.
  • Shishumar-class: Based on the German Type 209 design, these are diesel-electric submarines equipped with advanced systems. E.g., INS Shishumar, INS Shankush, INS Shalki, and INS Shankul.
  • Kalvari-class (Scorpène-class): Based on the Scorpène design developed by Naval Group (France). E.g., INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer (yet to be commissioned).
  • Arihant-class: India's indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).   These submarines are equipped with nuclear propulsion and are capable of carrying ballistic missiles. Currently, INS Arihant is the operational submarine of this class. The second submarine INS Arighaat has been recently commissioned in August 2024. A third submarine is at an advanced stage of construction, which is set to be larger and more capable than the current two. 
  • Chakra-class: Nuclear-powered attack submarines leased from Russia. Currently, INS Chakra-II, the submarine of this class, is in service with the Indian Navy. Chakra-III is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2025. 

Key Facts:

  • Countries like the US, Russia, and China have larger SSBNs with longer-range missiles. For example, China has six Jin-class SSBNs with JL-3 missiles capable of 10,000 kilometres, and the US operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs.
  • A project costing around Rs 40,000 crore is under consideration by the PM-led Cabinet Committee on Security for the construction of two 6000-tonne ‘hunter-killer’ SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines), armed with torpedoes, anti-ship, and land-attack missiles. The construction is expected to take at least a decade.

On conventional submarine development, the Indian Navy has acquired six new Kalvari-class submarines and plans to add 15 more through Project 75 India, Project-76, and Project-75 AS.

Project Zorawar Light Tank

Context: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed initial internal trials of the indigenous light tank to called 'Zorawar LT'. 

Project Zorawar Light Tank

About Project Zorawar LT (Light Tank)

  • India is developing an indigenous light tank under 'Project Zorawar' for quicker deployment and movement in high-altitude warfare in places like eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Light tanks are battlefield tanks with a maximum weight of 25 tonnes - with a margin of 10 percent - with the same firepower as its regular tanks. 
  • They have been developed to counter Chinese deployment of large number of similar armoured columns along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).  
  • Amphibious tanks i.e. they can cross rivers and other water bodies much more easily than its predecessors, like the heavy weight T72 and T90 tanks. 
  • All-weather capability and can target tanks, armoured vehicles, UAVs and precision guided munitions, among others. 
  • Anti-aircraft and ground role centric weapons besides advanced multipurpose smart munitions and gun tube launched anti-tank guided missiles.
  • Long range for identifying enemy targets, thermal night fighting capability and stealth features, such as the ability to suppress visual, audio/acoustic, thermal and electromagnetic signatures.
  • It has capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence, integration of tactical surveillance drones to provide a high degree of situational awareness and loitering munition, along with an active protection system.
  • Includes an Active Protection System to protect these from anti-tank guided missiles and projectiles.

Significance of these tanks for India's defence:

  • These light tanks will allow the Indian Army to match or increase its capabilities in mountain warfare.
  • These tanks can exploit the limited space available in mountainous terrains by way of enhanced mobility and additional warfare.
  • Current Indian tanks such as T-90, T-72, Arjun weigh between 40-68.5 tonnes, which makes it difficult to deploy them. As compared to these, Zorawar tanks have a weight around 25 tonnes and physical dimensions which enables its easy transportation by air, road and water.
  • This light and agile tank is capable of operations in the most challenging environment in the world with minimal logistic support, including high-altitude areas along India's northern borders with China.
  • This light tank has been designed by DRDO and private company L&T.

Induction into Army of Zorawar Tanks: 

  • India Army aims to procure a total of 354 such light tanks which is estimated to cost Rs 17,500 crore which has been given preliminary approval or 'acceptance of necessity' by Defence Acquisition Council in December 2022. Defence Acquisition Council is headed by Union Defence Minister. 
  • These tanks will be inducted into the Indian Army by 2027.

"ABHYAS" - High Speed Expendable Aerial Target

Context: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Ministry of Defence has successfully completed the developmental trials of High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) 'ABHYAS' with improved booster configuration from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. 10 developmental trials for the ABHYAS have been successfully conducted which demonstrates the reliability of the system.

About ABHYAS

image 49
  • ABHYAS aims to provide a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice. 
  • This indigenous system is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an auto pilot, a laptop-based Ground Control System for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight. It also has a feature to record data during flight for post-flight analysis. 
  • ABHYAS has been designed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru and developed through production agencies - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro. 

Why India needs 3rd aircraft carrier

Context: Recent media reports suggest that the Indian Navy's long-standing demand for a third aircraft carrier is finally moving closer to realization, with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) poised to commence construction of an additional Vikrant-class platform, weighing around 40,000 tonnes.

About aircraft carrier: 

  • It is a warship that serves as a seagoing airbase, equipped with a full-length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying, and recovering aircraft.
  • It is fundamental to command, control and coordination of operations from the sea and to project combat power ashore, over the seas or in the air, 

History of Aircraft Carriers in India:

Right from its Independence, India was aware of the need for aircraft carriers to establish itself as a blue water navy. Since the sixties, the Indian Navy has had the unique distinction of operating all variants of aircraft launch and recovery systems.

  • INS Vikrant (R11)- India’s First Aircraft Carrier: It served in the Indian Navy from 1961 to 1997. Originally, it was being built by the British as HMS Hercules. The 19,500-tonne Carrier, played a crucial role in the 1971 war.
  • INS Viraat: It was originally commissioned by the British Royal Navy as HMS Hermes. It played a pivotal role in Operation Jupiter (in 1989 as part of Peacekeeping Operations in Sri Lanka, following the breakdown of the Indo- Sri Lankan Accord of 1986) and Operation Parakram (carried out in the wake of the 2013 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament). It was decommissioned from service in 2017.
  • INS Vikramaditya: Russia’s refurbished Admiral Gorshkov was commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya at Severodvinsk, Russia in November 2013. It is a state-of-the-art ship, capable of operating a versatile range of high-performance aircrafts, such as the MiG 29K fighters, KM 31 AEW helicopters, multi-role Seakings and utility Chetaks.
  • India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1): INS Vikrant was inducted into the Indian Navy by 2020.
    • Vikrant can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy). 
    • It uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method to launch and recover aircraft for which it is equipped with a ski- jump to launch aircraft, and three ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery.
  • A second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II), a repeat of a Vikrant-like carrier. The IAC-II displacing 45,000 tonnes will see some modifications and newer technologies incorporated in the original design of the Vikrant. The proposed IAC-II has often been referred to as India’s third aircraft carrier.

Why India needs 3rd aircraft carrier: 

  • Enhances Indian Navy’s capability to protect India’s 7,500-kilometre coastline, enables operations far from India’s shores, reinforcing status as a ‘blue water’ navy.
  • Critical for protecting India's seaborne trade, which constitutes over 90% of the country's trade volume. Essential for asserting Indian presence in key strategic areas like the Straits of Malacca, Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the South China Sea, would help India project power and counterbalance China’s growing influence.
  • Showcasing India’s capability to design and build aircraft carriers.
  • Can boost domestic heavy and medium industries, create a network of MSME sector , enhance youth skills, and generate job opportunities.