India Gears Up to Build Four 13,000-Ton S5-Class SSBNs with an Expected Cost of $2.4 Billion Per Sub Following Success of S4* SSBN

Following the successful launch of the S4* nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), India is forging ahead with ambitious plans to develop a fleet of even larger and more advanced submarines. The new S5-class SSBNs, designed to be twice the size of their predecessors, represent a significant leap forward in India's naval capabilities and nuclear deterrence strategy.

The S5 submarines, with an estimated submerged displacement of 13,000 tons, will dwarf the existing Arihant-class and S4-class submarines. This increased size will allow for advanced nuclear propulsion systems, enhanced stealth features, and a larger payload of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), significantly bolstering India's second-strike capability.

Initially envisioned as a six-submarine program, the Indian Navy is now likely to procure four S5 SSBNs, built in pairs across two phases. This phased approach allows for efficient resource management and gradual expansion of the fleet.

With the design phase already complete, each submarine is estimated to cost around ₹20,000 crores (approximately $2.4 billion). Given the strategic importance and financial commitment, the program will be directly overseen by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

This high-level oversight highlights the critical role the S5 program plays in India's national security strategy, especially in the context of growing geopolitical complexities in the Indo-Pacific region. The PMO's involvement will ensure dedicated funding and strict adherence to project timelines.

To facilitate the construction of these massive submarines, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is undergoing major infrastructure upgrades, particularly to its dry docks. These upgrades are crucial to accommodate the size and complexity of the S5 submarines.

The S5 program will leverage technological advancements from India's parallel Project-77, which focuses on developing nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). Both programs will utilize a new 190 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR) for propulsion, a significant upgrade from the reactors used in the Arihant-class. Additionally, both submarine classes will feature pump-jet propulsion, a quieter and more efficient system that enhances stealth capabilities.

The S5 SSBNs are a cornerstone of India's nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles and aircraft-delivered nuclear weapons. This triad ensures a credible second-strike capability, vital for national security. With their extended range and advanced capabilities, the S5 submarines will significantly enhance India's deterrence posture in the face of increasing regional challenges.

By operating silently and securely in the depths of the ocean, the S5 submarines will guarantee India's ability to retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack. This sea-based leg of the nuclear triad is crucial for national security, and the S5 program ensures that India will maintain a robust and reliable second-strike capability for decades to come.

 

[sanket]

Even Four is not bad instead of 6 SSBN of 13000 Ton Given the cost 20,000 crore, Good to know that both Two SSN & Four SSBN of 13000 Ton class will b built parallel , another Good thing is 190 MW pressurized water reactor & pump jet prop Tech that will make stealthy apart from powerful , amazing Great project both , In Future more Addition of SSN likely to b seen . at starting only two SSN will built but after gain Expertise & building eco-system 6 SSN are not ruled out by then Economy will also b stronger than today

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

PMO should also take AMCA under it. It is even more strategic than S5 subs

 

[sanket]

PMO should also take AMCA under it. It is even more strategic than S5 subs

Not only AMCA but TEDBF too

 

[GMR]

Excellent IN 👍👍. Along with these, conventional subs r also the need of time. Focus should not waiver from P75I..

 

[sanket]

Excellent IN 👍👍. Along with these, conventional subs r also the need of time. Focus should not waiver from P75I..

Thats why Follow-on of Three kalvari class with Indigenous AIP apart from P-75I is going to signed the deal plus Indigenous 12 conventional subs are going to built

 

[Sanatani Yodha]

Do we really have SSN tech?? I mean its the top secret tech which the west world have guarded … did our scientists successfully developed this tech??

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Hopefully the nuclear rector for the next Two SSBNs will be upgraded to 220-230 MW and further to 250 MW with 5th gen technology 95% refined uranium with lifetime run of the subs of over 35 years . The same 250 MW two reactors can then be used on the supercarriers planned to be built during 2030 -2045 .

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

Foreign collaboration must be needed in critical defence projects.

 

[Akshat]

Do we really have SSN tech?? I mean its the top secret tech which the west world have guarded … did our scientists successfully developed this tech??

It’s not one tech but a lot of different technologies. We have some of it, we have received some as ToT from conventional subs like Scorpene, and we will develop some. It will still be inferior to western subs for the time being but we can improve with time. Also, France is ready to share most of it, except the nuclear aspects. So some help can come from there.

 

[Mrs. Anjali Trivedi]

Hopefully the nuclear rector for the next Two SSBNs will be upgraded to 220-230 MW and further to 250 MW with 5th gen technology 95% refined uranium with lifetime run of the subs of over 35 years . The same 250 MW two reactors can then be used on the supercarriers planned to be built during 2030 -2045 .

You seems to be dreaming on many counts without really knowing the facts and reality. Using 95% enriched (you have used refined term, refine and enrichment are totally different) uranium for core of submarines reactor is possible but requires lot of technological developments, especially in metallurgy. The fuel cladding has to withstand normal corrosion and erosion for entire life of the boat, the total neutron and gamma dose it has to withstand is much higher, the internal fission gas pressure it has to withstand is much higher. These are only few aspects related to fuel cladding. There are many more related to reactor physics, burnable poisons etc. India has a long way to go in developing these technologies. The design of propulsion reactor for submarines and carrier, though quite similar in many ways, differs significantly as the one on carrier has much less design constraints compared to one on submarines.

 

[prasant kumar shaarma]

You seems to be dreaming on many counts without really knowing the facts and reality. Using 95% enriched (you have used refined term, refine and enrichment are totally different) uranium for core of submarines reactor is possible but requires lot of technological developments, especially in metallurgy. The fuel cladding has to withstand normal corrosion and erosion for entire life of the boat, the total neutron and gamma dose it has to withstand is much higher, the internal fission gas pressure it has to withstand is much higher. These are only few aspects related to fuel cladding. There are many more related to reactor physics, burnable poisons etc. India has a long way to go in developing these technologies. The design of propulsion reactor for submarines and carrier, though quite similar in many ways, differs significantly as the one on carrier has much less design constraints compared to one on submarines.

But India is building the SSN anyway. Does it not imply that India has mastered these technologies?

 

[Akshat]

But India is building the SSN anyway. Does it not imply that India has mastered these technologies?

It doesn’t. What it means that India has a design and might have mastered some of the tech, with the rest coming up. And not all of them might be at the same level as the west, at the bleeding edge. Some of the tech might be of the 60s or 90s vintage as well. But this is a start.

 

[prasant kumar shaarma]

It doesn’t. What it means that India has a design and might have mastered some of the tech, with the rest coming up. And not all of them might be at the same level as the west, at the bleeding edge. Some of the tech might be of the 60s or 90s vintage as well. But this is a start.

When you are not sure which technology India has mastered and which it has not, then how could you be presume that it might be of 1960s?

 

[desigandu]

S5s built at CSL - really, as compared to the SBC at Vizag! Anyone has more insights on this or this is just speculation?

 

[Rational Guy]

Even Four is not bad instead of 6 SSBN of 13000 Ton Given the cost 20,000 crore, Good to know that both Two SSN & Four SSBN of 13000 Ton class will b built parallel , another Good thing is 190 MW pressurized water reactor & pump jet prop Tech that will make stealthy apart from powerful , amazing Great project both , In Future more Addition of SSN likely to b seen . at starting only two SSN will built but after gain Expertise & building eco-system 6 SSN are not ruled out by then Economy will also b stronger than today

Original plan was for 3 S5 SSBN. Even 3 S5 and 5 Arihant Class is a formidable second strike capability and can reliably hit China and Pakistan if they do any misadventure.

 

[Rational Guy]

PMO should also take AMCA under it. It is even more strategic than S5 subs

Beg to disagree. AMCA is extremely important but is it as important as nuclear strike capability? Some may say AMCA is more important as it has a higher probability of being used rather than SSBN which will likely (and hopefully) never be used, but it must be remembered that SSBNs are never used specifically because of their very existence!

Nevertheless AMCA should be brought under PMO SPV initiative.

 

[Rational Guy]

Do we really have SSN tech?? I mean its the top secret tech which the west world have guarded … did our scientists successfully developed this tech??

We can build an SSN right now by 2030, but of course it will be nowhere near capability of western or Russian SSNs. We have SSN tech, but what India needs is far more advanced SSN tech with pump jet and stealth features for which we need Russian and French assistance.

 

[Rational Guy]

It’s not one tech but a lot of different technologies. We have some of it, we have received some as ToT from conventional subs like Scorpene, and we will develop some. It will still be inferior to western subs for the time being but we can improve with time. Also, France is ready to share most of it, except the nuclear aspects. So some help can come from there.

We can probably develop a 190 MW reactor by ourselves so realistically we only need pump jet and also other stealth acoustic methods from French.

 

[Ben]

13000 tons submarine ..bigger than almost all ships india has ever built except for aircraft carriers !!

 

[Rational Guy]

When you are not sure which technology India has mastered and which it has not, then how could you be presume that it might be of 1960s?

Considering our reactor is roughly based on Russian Akula from 1980s ours may be roughly capable as reactors from that era.

 

[Akshat]

When you are not sure which technology India has mastered and which it has not, then how could you be presume that it might be of 1960s?

I said 1960s, 1990s etc. That was the time these subs first came around. Approximately. So I am saying we might be at the first generation level in some, second in some and so on and so forth. I am not making any concrete claims here.

 

[Sandeep]

Foreign collaboration must be needed in critical defence projects.

Not as much as you think and these submarines are indigenously designed and manufactured in India with at least 90+%

 

[Mrs. Anjali Trivedi]

But India is building the SSN anyway. Does it not imply that India has mastered these technologies?

You are completely deviating from your initial statement. A propulsion reactor core can be designed with LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) which will last for about 7 to 10 years of submarine's life and the core will then require to be replaced with new one. This is a very complex task requiring long outage. A HEU (Highly enriched Uranium) core can be designed to last the entire service life of the submarine without any core replacement. The present design of Arihant and the proposed S5 reactors, I assume are based on LEU core. The core using 95% enriched HEU are being used by other countries but in my opinion India presently lacks the technological breakthrough necessary to make this quantum jump.

 

[Anil Tiwari]

Amazing news. Keep it up 💪 India.

 

[prasant kumar shaarma]

Considering our reactor is roughly based on Russian Akula from 1980s ours may be roughly capable as reactors from that era.

Presuming that the West wants us as a counter balancing Force of China,they would certainly provide us the technology if not at par with them then at least slightly better technology than what the China has.
So the apprehensions of 1960s technologies are unfounded.

 

[Dasster]

Likely, these submarines will never fire a single missile at China thru out its around 30yrs of existence. Instead of pouring money down the drain, a few million ppl cud be pulled out of poverty. Makes me weep everytime they launch one of these. Instead, we need to ditch the Quad. Let the US clean up its mess.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

Not as much as you think and these submarines are indigenously designed and manufactured in India with at least 90+%

We are not the leading country in submarine design . We should get from western or Russia. We are very much lagging in drones ,cruise missiles , jet engines , tanks. And our AMCA is a challenging project. Most of the countries in the world are following the same. Isreal is one of the good example. They developed several air defence systems with the help from USA. UK ITALY JAPAN are working in a 6th gen fighter. France Germany are working in another fighter program. South Korea and turkey have succeeded in 5th gen fighter only because of foreign collaboration. Simply ban all the imports will not help.

 

[Sandeep]

We are not the leading country in submarine design . We should get from western or Russia. We are very much lagging in drones ,cruise missiles , jet engines , tanks. And our AMCA is a challenging project. Most of the countries in the world are following the same. Isreal is one of the good example. They developed several air defence systems with the help from USA. UK ITALY JAPAN are working in a 6th gen fighter. France Germany are working in another fighter program. South Korea and turkey have succeeded in 5th gen fighter only because of foreign collaboration. Simply ban all the imports will not help.

We are currently developing our own diesel submarines which will be very good. With nuclear submarines the new attack submarine will incorporate the latest technology and capabilities. Also with drones we haven’t successfully developed our own MALE or HALE but other than that we are doing very well. For cruise missiles we use the Brahmos and will soon develop our own subsonic and modern cruise missiles. For jet engines we have developed the 50kn Kaveri engine that will be used on our stealth UCAV Ghatak which will be much better than any modern drones. Currently we are developing our own light tank Zorawar and FMBT. We are also developing our own tracked and wheeled IFV. Also for our air defence systems we have developed our own BMD, Akash, MR-SAM, QRSAM and more projects like Kusha will add to the S400 defence. For our jets we are making the Tejas MK1A and soon develop the Tejas MK2 and have its first flight in two years time. With the AMCA we are now manufacturing it and will have its first flight in 3-4 years and the technology will be indigenous. So not everything is bad and the next ten years will bring a lot more advancements.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

We are currently developing our own diesel submarines which will be very good. With nuclear submarines the new attack submarine will incorporate the latest technology and capabilities. Also with drones we haven’t successfully developed our own MALE or HALE but other than that we are doing very well. For cruise missiles we use the Brahmos and will soon develop our own subsonic and modern cruise missiles. For jet engines we have developed the 50kn Kaveri engine that will be used on our stealth UCAV Ghatak which will be much better than any modern drones. Currently we are developing our own light tank Zorawar and FMBT. We are also developing our own tracked and wheeled IFV. Also for our air defence systems we have developed our own BMD, Akash, MR-SAM, QRSAM and more projects like Kusha will add to the S400 defence. For our jets we are making the Tejas MK1A and soon develop the Tejas MK2 and have its first flight in two years time. With the AMCA we are now manufacturing it and will have its first flight in 3-4 years and the technology will be indigenous. So not everything is bad and the next ten years will bring a lot more advancements.

Except air defence systems all are in developing stage only. What is time line for these projects. Our submarine technology is 20 years behind with developed countries. Why did you mention brahmos it not our missile. We have succeeded in light tank. Our subsonic cruise missile failed in several tests. Two days back only airforce is interested in full scale ucav development. Recently navy cheif said Our UAv did not met expectations that's what we go with US. What is the timeline of this projects. We can not say AMCA will be ready only 2040.