The Indian Navy has experienced more than 28 major operational incidents and mission failures over the past 13 years, according to recent reports. The incidents highlight ongoing technical and operational challenges facing the maritime force.
Several naval vessels have encountered significant issues within a three-year period, including INS Ranvijay, INS Ranvir, and INS Brahmaputra, a Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate. The nuclear submarine INS Arihant was withdrawn from the fleet following technical complications.
A notable incident occurred in September 2024 when a naval project faced operational difficulties. In 2019, a naval helicopter crashed into the sea, though all three crew members, including the pilot, managed to escape safely through emergency procedures.
Current operational data indicates that only seven out of India's fourteen submarines are functional due to technical issues. The navy recently inducted the nuclear submarine INS Arighat into its fleet amid these ongoing challenges.
These incidents occur against the backdrop of significant defense spending on various naval projects, while the country faces broader economic challenges with approximately 140 million citizens living below the poverty line.
