Indian Navy Chief reveals Rafale induction timeline; drops big Operation Sindoor message for Pakistan

Admiral Tripathi also spoke about how India’s carrier battle group, led by INS Vikrant, kept Pakistan on edge in the Arabian Sea

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Tuesday said the Indian Navy is close to commissioning INS Aridaman, the country's latest indigenous nuclear ballistic missile submarine, marking a major step toward strengthening India's sea-based deterrence.

Speaking ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Tripathi said ongoing Operation Sindoor had significantly restricted Pakistan Navy's movements, compelling its vessels to remain near their bases and the Makran coast.

He noted that the rapid deployment of India's carrier battle group had an immediate operational impact, adding that the economic strain on Pakistan's maritime trade was evident as global shipping firms stayed away from its ports.

On modernisation, the Navy Chief said the force is advancing rapidly on multiple acquisition fronts. Key submarine procurement under Project 75 (India) has reached a crucial stage, with the Navy expecting swift progress toward finalising the contract for six new-generation boats.

The Navy is also preparing for the induction of Rafale Marine fighter jets, with the first four aircraft scheduled to arrive in 2029. The fleet expansion follows a series of approvals and contracts cleared over the past year, accelerating shipbuilding, coastal security assets, and emergency procurements to meet urgent operational needs.

Admiral Tripathi said improvements in maritime surveillance are underway following the signing of the National Maritime Domain Awareness project, which will integrate inputs from multiple ministries and agencies to create a real-time security picture across India's waters.

He added that the newly inducted base depot ship INS Aravalli will boost logistical support for these initiatives. With new warships entering service and major capability programmes moving forward, the Navy Chief said the force is consolidating its readiness to meet emerging maritime challenges.