French Nuclear Sub 'Suffren' Helped Greatly to Train India-France Navys in Anti-Submarine Warfare

The recently concluded Varuna 2024 joint naval exercise between India and France underscored the growing importance of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in the Indian Ocean region.

The exercise, held in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, saw the French nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) Suffren take center stage, demonstrating its prowess and providing invaluable training opportunities for both navies in countering underwater threats.

The Suffren, with its advanced technology and stealth capabilities, proved to be a formidable asset in the ASW drills. Working in conjunction with the Indian Navy’s Tabar and Provence frigates, the Suffren showcased the seamless coordination and interoperability between the two navies in detecting and tracking potential submarine adversaries.

The exercise also highlighted the crucial role of air power in ASW operations. The Indian Navy's P-8I Caiman maritime patrol aircraft and Dauphin helicopter, with their sophisticated sensors and surveillance systems, provided critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the ASW drills.

Varuna 2024 stands as a testament to the enduring strategic partnership between India and France in the maritime domain. The joint ASW training, anchored by the Suffren's participation, not only bolsters the two navies' capabilities in countering underwater threats but also reinforces their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

 

[desigandu]

Does this mean that India and France are collaborating for SSNs (Project Alpha) and we are likely to get pump-jet propulsion technology and/or nuclear propulsion (though the French SSNs are small with no VLS, and 5300 Tons displacement, 150MW reactor)?

 

[Anant]

Does this mean that India and France are collaborating for SSNs (Project Alpha) and we are likely to get pump-jet propulsion technology and/or nuclear propulsion (though the French SSNs are small with no VLS, and 5300 Tons displacement, 150MW reactor)?

One hopes, but I have a feeling the French aren't going to share the propulsion system. Even Brazil is having to design its own reactor for the Alvaro Alberto.

 

[desigandu]

One hopes, but I have a feeling the French aren't going to share the propulsion system. Even Brazil is having to design its own reactor for the Alvaro Alberto.

Reactor i can understand, but pump jet we should try…

In my opinion the French are missing the big picture by not fully collaborating with India in all aspects of SSNs, nuclear propulsion, pump jets as Bharat is an emerging great power which will get their eventually, and they can also get business and join our local ecosystem as partners, which will provide them scale as their own market is small…

Hope the French learn from their Australian debacle around AUKUS…Also, India may not need any foreign help in major defense systems after 2035, is my prediction…

 

[Sandeep]

Reactor i can understand, but pump jet we should try…

In my opinion the French are missing the big picture by not fully collaborating with India in all aspects of SSNs, nuclear propulsion, pump jets as Bharat is an emerging great power which will get their eventually, and they can also get business and join our local ecosystem as partners, which will provide them scale as their own market is small…

Hope the French learn from their Australian debacle around AUKUS…Also, India may not need any foreign help in major defense systems after 2035, is my prediction…

Nuclear and pump jet propulsion is the latest technology in reducing its noise and increase its stealth capabilities. Nobody is going to give that technology away without having a better one in place. Even close allies rarely do except for the uk and USA and soon Australia which is still a British colony under the constitution.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to enhance our underwater sensors and acoustic detection capabilities along our islands and in the Indian Ocean. We should also install more SMART missiles which can kill a submarine from a long distance away. But we also need more submarines and ASW ships, helicopters and planes.