Abhay K. Singh replies: At the outset, it is pertinent to highlight that the acquisition of P-75(I) submarines is not being planned through import. The P-75(I) submarines will be indigenously constructed through the strategic partnership model (SPM) of procurement, which aims to revitalise the defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of armed forces.

Abhay Kumar Singh replies: In maritime geopolitics, the strategic salience of islands is defined by their location, which makes them vital for establishing a regional naval presence, and their proximity to sea lines of communications (SLOCs), which facilitates patrolling in the region during times of peace and conflict.

Roby Thomas replies: The unmanned underwater systems (UUSs) are divided into two categories: remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). ROVs are linked and controlled by a person or crew on either land or neighbouring craft via a tether that houses energy and communication cables and a related tether management system, as well as built-in sensors for video (camera and lights), thrusters, a flotation pack, sonar and other instruments.

Kishore Kumar Khera replies: Development of a complex system like a combat aircraft is a time and resource-intensive process. The first stage of the development process is defining the operational requirements that the combat aircraft must meet. These are formalised as Qualitative Requirements (QRs). The entire conceptualisation, design, development, testing and production of the aircraft is based on these qualitative requirements.

Roby Thomas replies: India and the Indian Navy have emerged as the first port of call and a dependable partner for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) littoral navies to address their maritime security needs.

Abhay Kumar Singh replies: A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor. Since nuclear propulsion does not require atmospheric oxygen, it frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for conventional submarines. Due to the long interval between refuelling of the reactor, the sortie duration of nuclear submarine remains limited by food embarked and crew fatigue. Simply put, a nuclear submarine has a nearly limitless range and superior manoeuvrability.