India’s bet on AI-enabled warships needs boost to counter China, experts say

While India’s first AI-enabled warship enhances its capabilities in the Indian Ocean, experts warn that more vessels are needed to counter China’s growing presence

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures during a commissioning ceremony of the Indian Navy’s INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer ships in Mumbai on January 15. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:44pm, 23 Jan 2025Updated: 10:54pm, 23 Jan 2025

India’s recent launch of its first “artificial intelligence-enabled” warship is expected to enhance its patrolling capabilities and help narrow the gap with China’s naval power in the critical Indian Ocean region, analysts said.

However, they suggest New Delhi must accelerate the acquisition of such technologically sophisticated vessels to strengthen its position, even as China faces the logistical challenge of sustaining operations in a region far from its mainland bases.

On January 15, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the INS Surat – billed as the country’s first AI-enabled warship – alongside another warship, the INS Nilgiri, and a submarine, the INS Vagsheer.

During the launch, Modi underscored the importance of protecting the Indian Ocean, through which 95 per cent of the country’s trade moves amid strong Chinese presence.

The INS Surat in particular is seen as a significant addition to India’s maritime security, featuring AI capabilities touted to support predictive maintenance, hazard analysis and autonomous navigation, while reducing human errors.

It is the fourth and final ship of the Vishakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers under Project 15B. It was primarily designed and constructed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and state-run Mazagaon Dock Limited.