INS Vikrant’s Global Drills: India’s Blue-Water Navy Push in 2025
As India asserts its maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific, INS Vikrant, the nation’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, is set to lead a series of global drills in 2025. Fresh from a £350M deal with the UK for Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), the carrier is gearing up for joint exercises, including preparations for Milan 2025, amid rising tensions along Sir Creek. With a $26B naval budget fueling this blue-water push, how is India transforming its naval capabilities? Let’s explore the upgrades, strategies, and global implications.
The Rise of INS Vikrant: Upgrades and Global Engagements
Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant has evolved into a cornerstone of India’s naval strategy. Recent upgrades include:
- Electric Propulsion Tech: Enhanced efficiency for extended missions, tested during UK joint ops in October 2025.
- LMM Integration: The £350M deal equips Vikrant with advanced missiles for air defence, boosting interoperability with RAF and QUAD navies.
- Aircraft Complement: MiG-29K and soon Tejas Naval variants, with 20+ aircraft operational by year-end.
Current drills, linked to AUSTRAHIND 2025 (ongoing since Oct 13 in Perth), focus on multi-domain ops with Australia. Milan 2025, slated for February, will see Vikrant host 30+ nations, showcasing India’s carrier diplomacy.
Strategic Moves: P-75I and Sir Creek Tensions
The Navy’s P-75I submarine program is a parallel thrust, with bids from Thyssenkrupp and Navantia under review. Expected to induct 6 submarines by 2030, this counters Pakistan’s naval build-up along Sir Creek, where recent skirmishes (Sept 2025) underscore the need for robust maritime patrol.
Vikrant’s role extends to anti-piracy in the Arabian Sea, with deck trials proving its versatility. X posts from @IndianNavy highlight a viral clip of Vikrant’s takeoff, amplifying public support.
Analysis: Exports and Budget Impact
India’s naval exports are surging—BrahMos sales to Philippines ($375M) signal a $1B pipeline by 2027. The $26B budget (FY 2025-26) allocates 40% to capital outlay, funding Vikrant’s upkeep and P-75I. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of 200-ship navy, per MoD projections.
Indo-Pacific strategy leverages QUAD ties, with Vikrant’s drills enhancing deterrence against China’s South China Sea assertiveness.
| Category | Amount ($B) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Outlay | 10.4 | 40% |
| Personnel | 8.2 | 32% |
| Operations | 5.6 | 22% |
| R&D | 1.8 | 6% |
| Source: MoD 2025 | Total: $26B | ||
Challenges and Vision 2030
Challenges include crew training for carrier ops and indigenous engine delays. Yet, Vision 2030 aims for two carrier battle groups, with Vikrant as the flagship.
In conclusion, INS Vikrant’s global drills mark India’s ascent as a blue-water power. With QUAD support and export wins, 2025 could redefine our maritime future. What’s your take on this naval leap?
