India’s landmark Project-77 continues to make headlines as the government accelerates development of indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarines featuring manned-unmanned teaming. Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in October 2024, Project-77 aims to deliver an initial two, expanding to a planned fleet of six submarines by the mid-2030s. Built by Larsen & Toubro and the Warship Design Bureau in Visakhapatnam, these 10,000-ton vessels will use cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced pump-jet propulsion and a 190MW reactor. Their defining feature will be their capability to operate as motherships for the JALKAPI-XLUUV, India’s most advanced 20-ton unmanned underwater vehicle, able to autonomously patrol for up to 45 days. The integration of unmanned systems will offer expanded surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasure capabilities, vital amid growing tensions in the Indian Ocean, where China’s naval footprint continues to rise. Propelled by over 95% indigenous content, Project-77 is a cornerstone of India’s self-reliant defense strategy, promising significant advances in stealth, endurance, and strike power, including the deployment of advanced BrahMos and future hypersonic missiles.