The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

China's latest anti-ship weapon, the KD-21, has reportedly entered service with the Chinese military. The KD-21, publicly unveiled during the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2022, was observed as an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) mounted on a H-6K bomber of the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) in early late March 2025 during China's two-day 'Strait Thunder 2025A' drills in the Taiwan Strait. Photos and videos of the H-K6 bomber and the missile appeared on X and Chinese social media. Notably, China's state-owned Global Times, as well as some media outlets, referred to the missile as the YJ-21 anti-ship hypersonic missile, which is a carrier-killer. Global Times, referring to a Chinese military expert, said that the missile is capable of both land and sea attacks; implying that the KD-21 and YJ-21 could be used for both mission sets.

China's latest anti-ship weapon, the KD-21, has reportedly entered service with the Chinese military

According to Chinese military experts, the deployment of KD-21/YJ-21 missiles in the drills around Taiwan indicates that the PLA Eastern Theatre Command is very close to actual combat, and the participating troops are ready to fight at any time. These developments have bearing on South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as well. China had first invested heavily in developing its submarine fleet, giving second preference to development of aircraft carriers. India also is focussing on enlarging its submarine fleet and has pended (not shelved) developing another indigenous aircraft carrier.

India is all set to commission a new strategic naval base for nuclear submarines in Andhra Pradesh by 2026, while simultaneously upgrading its Karwar base on the western seaboard. Concurrently, India is expanding its nuclear submarine fleet with the upcoming commissioning of INS 'Aridhaman' in 2025, its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. The new strategic naval base for nuclear submarines, INS 'Varsha', is being developed under Project Varsha for the Indian Navy, is located near the coastal village of Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 50 km south of Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command. The first phase of the Rambilli-based Project 'Varsha' is nearing completion, featuring underground pens and tunnel networks designed to allow nuclear submarines to operate covertly in the Bay of Bengal. Rambilli is also has proximity to the Malacca Strait, one of the world's most important shipping lanes.

INS 'Varsha' is designed to serve as the home base for India's fleet of nuclear submarines and ships, including the Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs). The nuclear assets of the Indian Navy, crewed by naval personnel, fall under the Strategic Forces Command for administrative and operational control. Estimated at an overall cost of $3.75 billion, the unique infrastructure of INS 'Varsha' would enable the nuclear submarines to enter and exit the base through underwater tunnels without surfacing, thereby avoiding detection by enemy spy satellites. The inner harbour is reportedly complete, with ongoing work focusing on the outer harbour, including the construction of breakwaters and jetties.

The first phase of the Rambilli-based Project 'Varsha' is nearing completion, featuring underground pens and tunnel networks designed to allow nuclear submarines to operate covertly in the Bay of Bengal

An important reason for developing INS Varsha is to decongest the Visakhapatnam Port, which currently serves both naval and civilian shipping needs. The new base will provide modern nuclear engineering support facilities and extensive crew accommodation, significantly enhancing the Eastern Naval Command's operational capabilities. The strategic placement INS 'Varsha' enables India to monitor and respond to naval activities in the eastern Indian Ocean, particularly those of China, whose expanding naval presence has been a growing concern. Its proximity to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) facility further enhances its strategic value, providing necessary nuclear engineering support for India's nuclear submarine fleet.

Concurrently, India is expanding its Wester naval infrastructure under Project 'Seabird', which involves the creation and expansion of a naval base at Karwar on India's western coast in Karnataka. The project was approved in 1999 following India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests, with the first phase (Operation Seabird) completed in 2005 and the second phase initiated in 2011. Recent developments include the inauguration of additional operational, repair, and logistic facilities worth over ₹2,000 crore by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Karwar Naval Base features extensive infrastructure, including a 3,000-foot runway, specialized dockyard repair and maintenance facilities with piers and wharfs, and covered dry berths for ships and submarines. The base also incorporates advanced security and communication systems, a Naval Air Station with multiple runways and hangars, and comprehensive housing and residential complexes.

The above developments will substantially enhance India's maritime capabilities on both eastern and western seaboards, in response to China's expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region

Phase-IIA of Project Seabird will enable the Karwar Naval Base to berth 32 major warships and submarines along with 23 yard-craft. The project's scope includes a dual-use naval air station, a full-fledged naval dockyard, four covered dry berths, and extensive logistics support for ships and aircraft. Also, on completion of Phase-IIB of Project Seabird, the Karwar base will be capable of hosting 50 warships and submarines as well as 40 auxiliary craft across its 25-km expanse, reducing congestion in the Mumbai harbour.

The above developments will substantially enhance India's maritime capabilities on both eastern and western seaboards, in response to China's expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The development of naval bases on both eastern and western seaboards provides India with strategic depth and operational flexibility. INS Varsha positions the Indian Navy to respond to challenges in the eastern Indian Ocean and South China Sea, while the Karwar base strengthens India's capabilities against Pakistan.