These initiatives are seen as critical steps to modernize India's defence apparatus, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. The submarines, to be constructed at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, will cost around ₹45,000 crore. These nuclear-powered vessels are expected to significantly bolster India's underwater warfare capabilities, filling gaps the Navy had identified for years. The nuclear submarines, part of India’s Advanced Technology Vessel project, will operate alongside the five Arihant-class submarines currently under construction at the same facility. Long-term plans indicate India aims to possess at least six such nuclear vessels to fortify its defence network at sea.
In addition to the submarines, the purchase of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the American defence manufacturer General Atomics will further enhance surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The deal, valued at approximately ₹35,000 crore, is part of the Foreign Military Sales framework between the two governments. Of these drones, 15 will be deployed by the Navy, with the remaining units shared between the Army and the Air Force. Each branch is expected to use the drones for high-altitude, long-endurance missions, providing essential intelligence during peacetime as well as military operations.
The acquisition of the Predator drones represents a pivotal move towards integrating cutting-edge technologies in India's security forces. The drones will incorporate Indian-made equipment from entities like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private-sector players under the "Make in India" initiative, ensuring a boost to domestic defence manufacturing.
These developments follow long-standing demands from military leaders who identified both nuclear submarines and advanced drones as critical to India's strategic defence needs. The submarines are expected to take several years to complete, while deliveries of the Predator drones will commence four years after the contract is officially signed.
These deals mark significant milestones in India's journey to becoming self-reliant in defence technology while maintaining strong ties with key global defence partners. The integration of private sector expertise in these projects reflects India’s broader efforts to modernize its military capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges.
The clearance of these deals is also seen as part of a broader strategy to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean and safeguard India's maritime interests. The submarines, in particular, will offer stealth capabilities that are essential in maintaining a strategic advantage in undersea warfare. Moreover, the Predator drones' advanced surveillance systems will be crucial in monitoring both maritime and terrestrial threats, enabling the military to conduct intelligence-gathering operations with greater precision and efficiency.