Navy Day 2025: Admiral Tripathi Says Indian Navy To Get 4 Rafale Jets by 2029

The Indian Navy has detailed recent operations and future plans, highlighting heavy deployment at sea, anti-piracy and anti-drug missions, along with upcoming assets such as Rafale fighter jets and new submarines. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi shared these updates during the Navy Day press conference, stressing activity since the last Navy Day and cooperation with other national agencies.

Admiral Tripathi explained that sustained missions in the Gulf of Aden and nearby waters have continued without a break since 2008. According to Admiral Tripathi, warships, aircraft and helicopters remain active across key sea lanes, with a sharp focus on piracy around the Red Sea, while parallel efforts target narcotics smuggling in the wider Indian Ocean region.

Indian Navy operations and deployments

"Cumulatively, we have clocked almost 11,000 ship days and 50,000 flying hours since the last Navy Day and counting. We have maintained one ship in the Gulf of Aden continuously since 2008. The ship is relieved on station for anti-piracy duties. To date, 138 ships have been deployed for that, and they have successfully escorted more than 3,700 merchant vessels of all nationalities and crew. Since November 23, when the Red Sea crisis began, which led to an increase in piracy incidents, we have apprehended 62 pirates... Since November 23, due to heightened activity, especially by non-state actors like the Houthis, our 40 capital ships, along with their integral assets (helicopters, etc.) and capabilities, have been deployed," he said.

These figures underline how wide the Indian Navy’s security role has become across busy trade routes. The focus on merchant vessel safety covers ships of many flags, while capital ships and aircraft increase presence where threats from pirates and non-state groups are reported. The data shared by Admiral Tripathi can be summarised as follows.

Indian Navy modernisation and future assets

Alongside operations, Admiral Tripathi also described modernisation steps for the Indian Navy. Admiral Tripathi said the force is projected to receive the first batch of four Rafale fighter jets by 2029. Admiral Tripathi added that Project 75 India, which covers six advanced submarines, has reached an advanced stage, with a formal contract expected soon.

Speaking about combat readiness, Admiral Tripathi recalled the Indian Navy’s posture during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Apprising media about the Navy's role during the Operation Sindoor, Admiral Tripathi said the aggressive stance and deployment of battle ships forced Pakistan to remain at their ports. Admiral Tripathi then quoted how the carrier group’s movement limited Pakistan Navy activity.

"The aggressive posturing and immediate action during Op Sindoor, of deployment of the carrier battle group forced the Pakistan Navy to remain close to their ports or near the Makran coast," he said. Admiral Tripathi linked this example with current deployments, saying visible presence and quick decisions are central to the Indian Navy’s approach in regional waters.

Narcotics control formed another major part of Admiral Tripathi’s briefing on Indian Navy tasks. Admiral Tripathi also highlighted the Navy's role in anti-narcotic operations. "As far as the anti-narcotic operations are concerned, our units on deployment in concerned with other national agencies have seized contraband worth Rs 43,300 crores last year," he said. Admiral Tripathi noted that such seizures show tighter coordination with domestic enforcement agencies.

The updates from Admiral Tripathi present a picture of the Indian Navy balancing daily deployments, maritime security, and large procurement projects. From long-term anti-piracy patrols and piracy arrests to Rafale induction by 2029 and the upcoming Project 75 India contract, operations and modernisation are moving together, while anti-narcotic missions continue to yield large contraband seizures.