Thiruvananthapuram

The Indian Navy has extended the deadline for its Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) to 2032 after being unable to meet earlier targets due to budgetary and structural constraints, Southern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena said on Tuesday.

Ahead of Navy Day celebrations, Saxena said the MCPP was an “aspirational” 10-year blueprint that required coordinated action from multiple stakeholders, including the shipbuilding ecosystem. While shipbuilding efficiency has improved — with a ship being delivered every 40 days — financial constraints prevented achieving projected force levels, he said.

The Navy has so far achieved 90% indigenisation in the float component, 60% in movement and 50% in attack systems, and aims for full indigenisation by 2047.

Saxena said discussions on India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier are underway at the highest level but no final approval has been granted. The Navy currently operates 138 ships and 264 aircraft, with 51 ships under construction and approval granted for 65 ships and nine submarines.

On China’s expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean Region, he said India remains the region’s “strategic leader”, though it remains alert to the “opacity” of Chinese operations.

The Navy will also expand its footprint in Lakshadweep with a new unit at Bitra, supplementing existing facilities in Minicoy and Agatti.

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Saxena said Wednesday’s Navy Day operational demonstration at Shangumugham Beach will feature 19 warships including INS Vikrant, a submarine, four fast-interception craft and 32 aircraft.