Defence Mantra is back after two and a half years, with analysis and comments on defence updates, developments in strategic affairs, and military history by Nitin A. Gokhale.
In this episode, we discuss how India’s strategic priorities are shaping geopolitical actions; specifically, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) that approved two mega projects on Wednesday, 09 October. One – procuring 31 Predator long-endurance drones from the US and two – indigenously building two nuclear-powered conventional submarines.
Terming it a very logical next step to enhance the Indian Navy’s combat power, Nitin A. Gokhale opines that though the MQ-9B “hunter-killer” drones are being purchased from the US defence company General Atomics through the foreign military sales program at a total cost of around a staggering $3.3 billion, it will be beneficial to India in the long run.
The acquisition of 31 Predator drones armed with Hellfire missiles and GBU-39B precision-guided bombs will be a game changer and enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Out of the 31 drones, 15 will be given to the Indian Navy and eight each to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The deal will bring Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) facilities to India, so India’s focus on Atmanirbharta will be met.
The manufacturer, General Atomics will also help DRDO to develop an indigenous platform, which will boost indigenous weaponisation and atmanirbharta (self-reliance). The drones will be used for surveillance and precision strikes, and to deter regional adversaries.
The submarine project, valued at $5.36 billion, aims to construct two nuclear-powered attack submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. This initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing the indigenisation of India’s defense sector, with major private sector firms such as Larsen & Toubro playing a pivotal role in its execution. The submarines will help improve India’s naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Nitin A. Gokhale explains how SSNs can remain submerged for extended periods, with their endurance limited only by crew fatigue and available supplies. In contrast, diesel-electric submarines must surface at least once a day to recharge their batteries using a snorkel, making them particularly vulnerable to aerial attacks during this time.
Finally, he talks about how both these decisions were taken keeping in mind the fact that China is now India’s No. 1 adversary, and both these platforms will be a significant and crucial capacity boost for the Indian Navy and Armed Forces.
