Indian Navy Set to Acquire Rafale Jets by 2029; Project 75 India Submarine Deal Imminent, Announces Admiral Tripathi
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi announced on Tuesday that the Indian Navy is set to receive its initial set of four Rafale fighter jets by 2029. At the Navy Day press conference, Admiral Tripathi also noted that Project 75 India, which entails the procurement of six advanced submarines, is progressing well, with a formal contract anticipated to be signed soon.
Admiral Tripathi elaborated on the Navy’s involvement in Operation Sindoor, explaining that the assertive deployment of the carrier battle group forced the Pakistan Navy to stay near their ports and along the Makran coast, highlighting India’s maritime deterrence capabilities.
Since the last Navy Day, the Navy has exceeded 11,000 ship days and logged 50,000 flying hours, demonstrating ongoing operational readiness. Anti-piracy efforts remain a significant focus, with a ship stationed continuously in the Gulf of Aden since 2008. To date, 138 ships have escorted over 3,700 merchant vessels, and since November 23, 62 pirates have been captured amid rising regional threats from non-state actors, including the Houthis.
Focusing on national security beyond traditional defense roles, Admiral Tripathi disclosed that naval units, working with other agencies, have seized contraband valued at ₹43,300 crore in anti-narcotic operations over the past year, underscoring the Navy’s diverse operational capabilities.
The acquisition of Rafale jets and advanced submarines, paired with ongoing deployments and counter-threat operations, signifies the Indian Navy’s dedication to bolstering maritime security, enhancing deterrence, and asserting power in critical strategic areas.
