India has marked a pivotal advancement in its naval capabilities with the successful development and production of indigenous optronic periscopes, confirmed by Vice Admiral Kishore O. Thakare (Retd.). These state-of-the-art systems will be incorporated into all nuclear submarines and are proposed for the upcoming Project-76 conventional submarines, enhancing the Indian Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. The transition from traditional optical periscopes to modern optronic masts, which utilize electronic imaging, offers significant advantages including improved stealth, design flexibility, and enhanced situational awareness. Additionally, reflecting on past vulnerabilities, Thakare recounted the U.S. withholding of critical submarine periscopes during the Kargil War, emphasizing India’s former dependence on foreign suppliers. However, since 2023, the Indian Navy has initiated domestic refurbishment of submarine periscopes, showcasing a significant shift towards self-reliance and strategic autonomy in military technology. This development not only ensures operational readiness but also eliminates past vulnerabilities, positioning India as a capable player in indigenous submarine technology amidst growing geopolitical challenges.