India’s conventional submarine fleet is facing a widening capability gap as ageing vessels are retired faster than new submarines can be inducted, while major replacement and expansion programmes remain years away from delivering additional boats. The Indian Navy currently operates 16 conventional diesel-electric submarines across the Kalvari, Sindhughosh and Shishumar classes, alongside three strategic submarines, but its target of inducting 24 conventional submarines by 2030 has fallen behind schedule.
Four Sindhughosh-class submarines have already been retired, including INS Sindhughosh, the lead vessel of the class. Although six Kalvari-class Scorpene submarines have entered service and the Shishumar-class fleet has undergone mid-life upgrades, the latter vessels are around 35 years old on average. With more older submarines due to retire in the coming years, the Navy faces mounting pressure to replenish its underwater combat capabilities.
