India’s Navy is enhancing its long-range submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) capabilities, with European manufacturer MBDA competing against Russia’s Kalibr missile. The MBDA NCM offers superior precision and ranges of 1,400 km from ships and 1,000 km from submarines, compatible with India’s Scorpene submarines. Concurrently, the DRDO is developing an indigenous SLCM based on the Nirbhay missile, but its induction is delayed until 2030, pushing the Navy to consider interim solutions. The competition underscores the urgency for India to secure reliable deep-strike capabilities while navigating geopolitical complexities, particularly amid concerns over Russia’s reliability due to sanctions affecting defense cooperation.