NEW DELHI: Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi on Monday said that India is aware of Pakistan navy’s “surprising growth” with the support of China and that New Delhi is “closly monitoring” their activities.
“We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces, including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels, and know what they are doing and where they are,” Admiral Tripathi said.
The Navy chief also said that 62 ships and one submarine are currently under construction in Pakistan to boost its naval power.
On China helping Pakistan boost its maritime prowess, Admiral Tripathi said it showed Beijing’s interest in making that country militarily stronger.
“Many Pakistan navy warships and submarines are being built with Chinese support showing that China is interested in making Pakistan’s navy stronger,” he said.
“Their eight new submarines will have significant combat potential for the 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.
He added that his force is aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan navy.
“We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy which aims to become a 50-ship Navy. They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Navy chief also announced that India plans to finalise distinct agreements for acquiring 26 naval Rafale fighter aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines in January.
Admiral Tripathi said that governmental approval has been granted for constructing two SSNs (nuclear-powered submarines), with plans to eventually operate six such vessels.
The chief indicated that the initial SSN is scheduled for completion by 2036-37, with the second following in 2038-39.
“Rafale Marine is at an advanced stage of negotiations and it is only one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since it is a government-to-government deal, it should not take much time,” he stated.
The defence ministry sanctioned the acquisition of Rafale-M jets from France in July 2022, primarily intended for operations from the domestically constructed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
“We expect that if not this month, then next month hopefully, both these (Scorpene submarine) and Rafale-M (project) should be signed,” he confirmed.
