In a significant move to bolster its naval capabilities and counter China's growing presence in the Indo-Pacific, India has approved the construction of two indigenously designed nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs).
This decision, made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a major step forward in India's quest for strategic deterrence.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 45,000 crore, will see the submarines built at the Ship Building Centre in Vishakhapatnam. This initiative is separate from the ongoing construction of five nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) of the Arihant class at the same facility. While both SSNs and SSBNs are nuclear-powered, they serve distinct roles.
SSNs are designed for offensive operations, including hunting enemy submarines and surface vessels, intelligence gathering, and supporting naval task forces. Armed with torpedoes and potentially cruise missiles, they excel in tactical warfare. SSBNs, on the other hand, are strategic assets built for nuclear deterrence, carrying and launching nuclear-armed ballistic missiles.
The need for SSNs has become increasingly critical for India, especially with China already operating six Shang class nuclear-powered attack submarines. The Indian Navy has been advocating for this project, highlighting the urgent need to address underwater capability gaps and maintain a credible deterrent against regional adversaries.
The government initially greenlit the SSN project in 2015, with design work commencing at the Submarine Design Centre in Gurgaon around 2017.
Significant progress has been made since then, including the development of a special alloy for the submarines' hulls by Mishra Dhatu Nigam, enabling them to dive deeper than the Arihant-class boats. The SSNs will also be equipped with more powerful nuclear reactors.
This development comes at a time when the lease of an Akula class nuclear attack submarine from Russia has been delayed to 2028. India's long-term plan is to induct six SSNs as part of its broader submarine development strategy.
The construction of these two indigenous SSNs is a crucial step towards achieving that goal and ensuring India's maritime security in the face of growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
