Navy Chief Says India To Get More Submarines, Pitches For 3rd Aircraft Carrier Too

Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh on Thursday said the Indian Navy is moving towards procuring a number of key assets including six more submarines, and pitched for a third aircraft carrier even as he asserted that the force is fully ready to deal with any challenge including from China.

Admiral Singh also said the COVID-19 pandemic and attempts to change the status quo at India”s northern borders have thrown up challenging situations, adding the Indian Navy aimed to stand steadfast as a “combat ready, credible and cohesive force”, furthering the country”s national and maritime interests.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of Navy Day, he said the Navy has put in place a standard operating procedure in the event of any infringement of its maritime domain in the Indian Ocean region by China.

Asked about the rapid expansion of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and possible challenges from it for India, the Chief of Naval Staff said the Indian Navy was cognisant of it, and was focusing on boosting its overall combat prowess including by procuring niche capabilities and unmanned solutions with available resources.