Why in news?
- Facing increasing budgetary constraints and with several bigticket acquisitions lined up, the Navy is looking at adopting unmanned platforms, both aerial and underwater, in a big way.
- It is firm on a third aircraft carrier and the next line of six advanced submarines under Project-75I.
Details
- As part of the fleet rationalisation plan, the Navy has cut down on the requirement of minesweepers from 12 to 8 and additional P-8I long-range patrol aircraft from 10 to six.
- The Navy now has no dedicated minesweepers in service, and is resorting to makeshift arrangements.
- It has procured some autonomous underwater vehicles is in the process of procuring 10 General Atomics Seaguardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) armed drones from the U.S. for maritime surveillance.
Project-75I
- The Project 75I-class submarine is a follow-on of the Project 75 Kalvari-class submarines for the Indian Navy.
- Under this project, the Indian Navy intends to acquire six diesel-electric submarines, which will also feature advanced air-independent propulsion systems to enable them to stay submerged for longer duration and substantially increase their operational range.
- All six submarines are expected to be constructed in Indian shipyards.
