Overview
- Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi said INS Aridaman is in final sea trials and will be commissioned soon, expanding India’s operational SSBN fleet to three.
- Reports say Aridaman is larger than earlier boats and built to carry longer‑range SLBMs such as the K‑4, with a fourth SSBN under construction and suggested for around 2027.
- The Navy is pursuing an SSN track with two indigenous attack submarines approved and an additional Russian SSN expected on lease in the 2027–28 window.
- Project 75‑I contract negotiations with MDL and TKMS are in an advanced stage, and initial Rafale‑M carrier fighter deliveries are expected in 2028–29 depending on the outlet.
- Operation Sindoor remains in effect, with the Navy chief saying carrier group deployment kept Pakistan’s fleet near its ports and contributed to higher insurance costs and reduced traffic to Pakistani ports.