India should invest in its navy
Well we are doing it on a decent pace now^^
From wiki:
Future of the Indian Navy [edit]
Overview [edit]
Indian Navy has decided to increase its spending by around 75 per cent in the current fiscal 2012–2013. With an overall hike in the defence budget of 17 per cent, Indian navy has been allocated $4.77 billion which is roughly $2 billion more than the allocation for 2011–2012. The increase in expenditure will be utilised to procure several frigates and destroyers, speed up key projects and increase its strategic reach in the Indian Ocean region.[154] By the end of the 14th Plan (2027), the Indian Navy expects to have "over 150 ships and close to 500 aircraft and helicopters". In addition to the existing mission of securing both sea flanks in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea, the navy would be able to "respond to emergent situations far away from the main land". Marine assault capabilities will be beefed by setting up a new amphibious warfare facility at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.[155] The Indian Navy has initiated Phase II expansion of INS Kadamba, the third largest naval base, near Karwar. Phase II will involve expansion of the berthing facilities to accommodate 40 more front-line warships, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, tugs and barges, raise manpower to 300 officers and around 2,500 sailors, and build a naval air station with a 6,000-foot runway. This is to be followed by Phase IIA and IIB, at the end of which INS Kadamba will be able to base 50 front-line warships.
Modernisation and future orders [edit]
INS Vikramaditya
LCA Tejas developed by India.
The Indian Navy is currently undergoing a 15-year modernisation plan in an attempt to replace older in service equipment.[156] In 2004, India bought the Russian aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov for the equivalent of US$1.5 billion. It cost an additional US$1.5 billion to overhaul the vessel and refit it entirely with new electronic, weapon systems ans sensors. The vessel is currently expected to join the Indian Navy at some point in 2013 commissioned as INS Vikramaditya. As part of the project a further US$700 million was spent on the purchase of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four dual-seat MiG-29KUB fighters and six Kamov-31 maritime helicopters to operate from the new carrier. Additional elements of the project are training facilities for pilots and technical staff, delivery of simulators and spare parts, and establishment and maintenance of Indian Navy facilities. Upgrades to Vikramaditya include the removing of missile silos from the carrier foredeck to make way for a 14.3-degree ski-jump.[157]
In April 2007, India began construction of the first of two Vikrant class Indigenous Aircraft Carriers (IAC). The first vessel will displace 40,000 tonnes and is to be named INS Vikrant. She will cost of US$800 million and operate around 30 aircraft including, Naval LCA and MiG-29K fighters[158] as well as, HAL Dhruv, Ka-31, and Sea King Mk.42 helicopters. The carrier is being constructed by state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited.[159] The carrier was originally expected to be commissioned by around 2012 or 13, however construction has been delayed by 3 to 4 years, and the carrier is now expected to be commissioned by 2017 or perhaps 2018.[160] The delay in the construction schedule has impacted the construction schedule of IAC-II as well.[161] The second of the Indigenous Aircraft Carriers has not been ordered, but current plans are for it to be in the region of 65,000 tones if ordered is expected to be delivered to the Navy by around 2025. The aim is to have a total of three aircraft carriers in service, with two fully operational carriers and the third in refit. This aim will increase the overall effectiveness of the Indian Navy.[162] The long term plan was recently revealed by the Navy and shows a road-map to a blue-water navy with six aircraft carriers in service.[163]
Bids have been floated for eight mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs), to replace the Pondicherry class ocean minesweepers in service. Six of the craft will be produced at Goa shipyard under transfer of technology.[164]
In November 2011, India's Defence Acquisition Council was looking for induction of large amphibious ships which they refer to as Multi-Role Support Vessel. It's speculated that they accordingly issued an international RFP for up to 4 amphibious operation vessels (most probably LHDs) with significant capability to carry Helicopters and troops. First the Indigenous Shipyards were consulted but since they have no experience in developing such type of vessels and had no design to propose, Indian government expects candidates from foreign allies.[165][166]
The Indian Navy has signed a deal with Boeing to supply twelve P-8 Poseidon Anti Submarine Warfare/Maritime Surveillance Aircraft.[167] The first aircraft was delivered on 21 December 2012. Boeing will hand over another two in 2013 and the remaining five by 2015. Also there are plans to induct four AEW&C aircraft that will be based on carriers.[168] The RFP (request for proposal) for six MRMR aircraft with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities was issued on 11 July 2008. The contract is expected to be signed in 2011 and deliveries to begin by 2012/2013. The Navy is also planning to purchase more UAVs.[169] The Indian Navy has issued a tender for procurement of 16, multi-role naval helicopters to AgustaWestland, EADS and Sikorsky. The order is likely to grow to around 60 helicopters. The helicopters will be equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare equipment including missiles and torpedoes, and also be capable of being in-flight refuelling. The type will operate from both naval vessels and land bases.[170]
Indian Navy is also envisaging a new 'Safety Organisation' to enhance safe operations of its warships, nuclear submarines and aircraft in view of its planned increase in fleet strength over the next