Submarine Showdown: Pakistan’s 11 AIP Vessels Versus India’s Zero, Strategic Tension Rises

National News: India has been working to modernize its navy, but when it comes to submarines, it is lagging behind its neighbor Pakistan. The Indian Navy currently does not have a single Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) powered submarine, while Pakistan is advancing quickly to add 11 AIP-equipped vessels. If this becomes reality, Islamabad will hold a strong underwater advantage stretching from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, a worrying gap for New Delhi’s maritime defense capabilities.

AIP Submarines Offer Stealth Edge

AIP submarines are considered game changers because they can stay underwater for 10 to 14 days without surfacing. In comparison, non-AIP diesel-electric submarines can only remain submerged for about 48 hours before they need to surface and recharge batteries. This makes AIP submarines far more difficult to detect, giving them stealth and operational superiority. For India, the lack of AIP capability has become a significant weakness in the face of Pakistan’s growing fleet.

India’s Delayed Indigenous AIP Program

India had earlier aimed to integrate its six French-origin Scorpene-class submarines with indigenous AIP technology. However, the program has suffered long delays. Retrofitting requires complex structural changes, including cutting open the submarines to add new AIP modules, which increases both the vessel’s size and overall costs. With most of India’s older submarines nearing the end of their service lives, the pressure to modernize has never been greater.

India Looks To German Option

Reports suggest that India may cancel the tender for three additional Scorpene submarines and instead partner with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to acquire six new AIP-equipped diesel-electric stealth submarines. These vessels, if approved, will be built at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Limited under a transfer of technology program. While this could close the gap with Pakistan, it will take several years before such submarines are ready to join the Indian fleet.

Pakistan’s Strategy For Undersea Power

Pakistan, on the other hand, is focusing on submarines as a strategic equalizer. Its acquisition of AIP-powered vessels is part of a broader plan to offset India’s larger surface fleet. Stealthy submarines can strike undetected and force India to spread its naval assets across wider areas, stretching its defense capacity. This makes Islamabad’s modernization move especially concerning for New Delhi.

Indian Fleet Facing Retirement Pressure

Defense analysts often compare the Indian Navy’s submarine shortage to the Indian Air Force’s fighter squadron shortfall—both are seen as critical vulnerabilities. While India has 17 conventional submarines, six are Scorpene-class and the rest are over 30 years old, edging closer to retirement. Without rapid upgrades, India risks losing strategic balance in its maritime neighborhood.

Experts Warn Of Growing Danger

Experts warn that India must accelerate decisions on AIP submarine procurement and indigenous development. Pakistan’s progress has already tilted the undersea balance, and any further delay could weaken India’s ability to secure its coastline, safeguard sea lanes, and maintain dominance in regional waters. The race for underwater supremacy is not just about number-it is about survival in a volatile neighborhood.