The Indian Ocean has become a battleground following the arms race in the South China Sea. With the Dragon growing its naval presence, India is set to induct its third nuclear-powered submarine. As per reports, the new nuclear sub will be commissioned by the end of this year. Notably, the induction comes at a crucial time when Pakistan is strengthening its naval power with the help of China and Turkey. Currently, the Indian Navy operates two nuclear submarines—INS Arihant and INS Arighat. The third submarine, INS Aridhaman, has been undergoing trials for the past three years and is likely to join the Navy this year.
The Dragon, which has the world’s largest navy, is spending big to strengthen its submarine fleet. Currently, the Chinese Navy operates as many as six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and six nuclear-powered attack subs. Beijing also operated 48 conventional submarines loaded with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, keeping subs underwater for longer periods. As older subs of China are retired, it is likely to maintain a fleet of 65 subs by 2025. The number can go up to 80 by 20235.
China is swiftly increasing the size of its submarine fleet, while India’s first nuclear attack submarine is anticipated to be operational by 2036, with a second expected in 2038. The Indian Navy has recently added six Kalvari-class conventional submarines to its fleet and is negotiating with France to purchase three additional submarines of the same class. However, these submarines do not feature Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, which restricts their underwater operational time. India plans to install AIP systems in these submarines during their scheduled maintenance, allowing them to remain submerged for as long as three weeks.
Additionally, India is in negotiations with Germany for six advanced submarines, all of which will feature AIP technology. Analysts suggest that technical discussions will conclude by the end of this year, but the first submarine will not be delivered until after 2030. While India struggles to keep pace, Pakistan’s navy is undergoing rapid modernization.
The Pakistani Navy is preparing to add 30 advanced warships with support from China. Additionally, Pakistan is set to receive eight Hangor-class submarines from China, which are equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. Pakistan anticipates that these submarines will alter the power dynamics in the Indian Ocean. The initial submarine was launched in April 2024 and is currently in the testing phase, while India appears to be lagging in this competition.