Despite its economy being in the doldrums and its polity currently in serious turmoil over repeated attempts by supporters of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan to stand up to the military-supported ruling dispensation in Islamabad, Pakistan is sparing no effort to arm itself militarily.
One such instance is the ongoing effort to build a 50-ship strong Navy with the apparent support of China.
On Monday, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi voiced his concern. “We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy. They aim to become a 50-ship force. Seeing their economy, it is very surprising how they are building or getting so many ships. They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people,” the Navy chief said at a press conference.
Admiral Tripathi also underlined the existing Pakistan-China nexus: “Many Pakistan Navy warships and submarines are being built with Chinese support showing that China is interested in making Pakistan's Navy stronger.”
“Their eight new submarines will have significant combat potential for Pakistan Navy but we are fully aware of their capabilities. That is why we are tweaking our concepts to be able to tackle all threats from our neighbours,” he added.
India is also building 62 warships and one submarine in its own shipyards while the acceptance of the necessity has been accorded for 31 more powerful warships and submarines including six submarines of Project-75. The Indian Navy is looking at 170-175 ships by 2035.
India had also commissioned the INS Arighaat, its second strategic submarine, adding sea vector capability to the country’s nuclear triad.
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“The government has approved the construction of two nuclear power submarines to be designed and constructed indigenously, thereby showing faith in our in-house capacity, as well as in the larger defence ecosystem of the country,” the chief said.
What is of much significance as far as adding more teeth to the Indian Navy is the recent successful firing of a DRDO-developed 1,500 km range anti-ship cruise missile.
The Indian effort however pales in comparison to China’s People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) extremely fast churning out of warships and submarines.
The PLAN operates more than 370 ships and submarines, including more than 140 major surface combatants. According to the Pentagon’s China Military Power Report for 2023, the PLAN “is expected to grow to 395 ships by 2025 and 435 ships by 2030”.
But the Navy chief emphasized that India is “adapting its strategies to effectively address all potential threats from neighbouring countries”.
Admiral Tripathi also pointed out that the procurement of Rafale-M (Marine fighter aircraft) and the Scorpene submarines is likely to be finalised next month.