India Navy Acquires Kalibr-PL Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles to Equip Kilo-Class Submarine Fleet, Increasing Deterrent in IOR

The Indian Navy has strengthened its underwater warfare capabilities by ordering Kalibr-PL anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles are designed to significantly enhance the firepower of the Navy's Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) submarine fleet, improving India's maritime deterrence, especially within the crucial Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The Kalibr-PL, specifically the 3M-14K variant, is engineered for launch from submarines. This is distinct from the 3M-14T Kalibr-NK, a land-attack version deployed from surface ships. The procurement of the Kalibr-PL represents a key part of the Indian Navy's ongoing modernization program, focusing on equipping its submarines with advanced weaponry capable of engaging enemy targets at greater distances.

The surface-launched 3M-14T Kalibr-NK variant is known to possess a considerable range, estimated between 1,500 and 2,500 kilometers. While the precise range of the submarine-launched Kalibr-PL variant acquired by India remains undisclosed, it is expected to adhere to the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). India is a signatory to the MTCR, an international agreement that aims to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. The MTCR restricts the export of missiles capable of carrying a 500 kilogram payload for more than 300 kilometers.

However, adherence to MTCR guidelines is not expected to be a major constraint. Even if the Kalibr-PL's range is limited to under 1000 kilometers, it would still provide a considerable boost to the reach and striking power of India's submarine force.

The acquisition of these missiles provides Indian submarines with a powerful tool against enemy ships. The Kalibr-PL missiles are known for their ability to accurately strike both surface vessels and land-based targets. Integrating these missiles with the Kilo-class submarines, which are already a core component of India's underwater fleet, significantly boosts the nation's ability to deter potential threats at sea.

The Kilo-class submarines, known in India as the Sindhughosh-class, have a long track record of reliable service within the Indian Navy. The addition of the Kalibr-PL missiles adds a new level of operational flexibility, allowing these submarines to engage adversaries from much farther away than previously possible.

This procurement aligns with India's overall defence strategy, which emphasizes both the development of indigenous defence systems and the selective acquisition of advanced technology from other nations. The move also reflects India's strategic considerations in the context of regional security, where a strong naval presence is considered essential.

Specific details regarding the number of missiles purchased and the financial terms of the agreement have not been publicly released. The integration of the Kalibr-PL missiles into the Indian Navy is expected to begin in the near future, followed by operational testing to ensure their effectiveness. The addition of these weapons is likely to have a lasting effect on India's Strategic power in the IOR.

 

[vikrantrao]

No mention of the country they were acquired/developed from???

 

[Varun Dave]

There is no restriction of range for MTCR members. India would have acquired max range versions which could be fitted in Sindhughosh class...

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Russia has offered India some extra Kilo-class submarines with a very low price and fast delivery. India needs numbers because PK is getting many submarines from China, so India should increase its submarine fleet too. India needs at least 30 diesel-electric submarines, apart from nuclear submarines, to counter both China and PK. Unfortunately, India doesn't have any indigenous options, so we have to look at foreign countries.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

Russia has offered India some extra Kilo-class submarines with a very low price and fast delivery. India needs numbers because PK is getting many submarines from China, so India should increase its submarine fleet too. India needs at least 30 diesel-electric submarines, apart from nuclear submarines, to counter both China and PK. Unfortunately, India doesn't have any indigenous options, so we have to look at foreign countries.

India already has plenty subs, including nuclear SSBN, while Pak has few older diesel-electric. Even with Chinese sub acquisition, India would outnumber it. Not to mention, 2 are already in construction and plenty more planned. So, IN will keep pace and outnumber it no matter what. No need to resort to panic buying.

Better concentrate on what is needed most: a good destroyer fleet, proper ACG with good sub-hunting capabilities, and a properly upgraded naval aviation wing.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

India already has plenty subs, including nuclear SSBN, while Pak has few older diesel-electric. Even with Chinese sub acquisition, India would outnumber it. Not to mention, 2 are already in construction and plenty more planned. So, IN will keep pace and outnumber it no matter what. No need to resort to panic buying.

Better concentrate on what is needed most: a good destroyer fleet, proper ACG with good sub-hunting capabilities, and a properly upgraded naval aviation wing.

What is the update on Project 18 class destroyers? The government doesn't even mention it. India needs 10,000-12,000 ton destroyers. It will take a huge amount of time, but still the government is not giving the green signal. The IN is also focusing more on frigates nowadays.

 

[Anant]

Russia has offered India some extra Kilo-class submarines with a very low price and fast delivery. India needs numbers because PK is getting many submarines from China, so India should increase its submarine fleet too. India needs at least 30 diesel-electric submarines, apart from nuclear submarines, to counter both China and PK. Unfortunately, India doesn't have any indigenous options, so we have to look at foreign countries.

That offer is years old. Russia doesn't have any spare Kilo-class boats now. Their old Project 877 boats are due for retirement, and they have a massive shortage of the Project 636.3 Kilo-class boats, with new construction slowed thanks to sanctions.

 

[Anant]

What is the update on Project 18 class destroyers? The government doesn't even mention it. India needs 10,000-12,000 ton destroyers. It will take a huge amount of time, but still the government is not giving the green signal. The IN is also focusing more on frigates nowadays.

India doesn't actually have enough submarines. The Navy's ideal strength is 24 SSKs plus 6 or so SSNs. Of those, we have 17 SSKs. The larger problem is the age of the submarines, with 10 of the 17 SSKs being over 30 years old and needing replacement.

 

[Anant]

What is the update on Project 18 class destroyers? The government doesn't even mention it. India needs 10,000-12,000 ton destroyers. It will take a huge amount of time, but still the government is not giving the green signal. The IN is also focusing more on frigates nowadays.

On the contrary, India doesn't need 10,000-12,000 ton destroyers YET. We need them, yes, but there are more urgent priorities. The Navy needs to up-arm existing ships, get new MCMVs, new LHDs or LPDs, a replacement carrier for Vikramaditya, a few new LSTs, a new mid-sized frigate, more submarines, increased naval fighters and helicopters, etc, before we try to put a focus on large destroyers.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

What is the update on Project 18 class destroyers? The government doesn't even mention it. India needs 10,000-12,000 ton destroyers. It will take a huge amount of time, but still the government is not giving the green signal. The IN is also focusing more on frigates nowadays.

And the answer to that is more older kilo subs and panic buying???? EVERY VESSEL TAKES HUGE TIME TO CONSTRUCT.

And greenlight what exactly?? Project 18 was only announced in 2023 and is still under the design phase! Why would the gov mention it right now unnecessarily???? Why talk about the same thing repeatedly every Tuesday just to be in the news cycles???

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

On the contrary, India doesn't need 10,000-12,000 ton destroyers YET. We need them, yes, but there are more urgent priorities. The Navy needs to up-arm existing ships, get new MCMVs, new LHDs or LPDs, a replacement carrier for Vikramaditya, a few new LSTs, a new mid-sized frigate, more submarines, increased naval fighters and helicopters, etc, before we try to put a focus on large destroyers.

Govt has put 3rd carrier on backburner...Govt is reducing everything...IN needed 6 SSN..Govt did permission of 2...No mention of LHD or LPD...IN needed 57 jets...but got permission of 26...Many defence deals have not signed despite all processes have been done..look at ATAGS, LCH, Refueler aircraft etc...Govt is spending more on freebies and subsidies nowadays...I hardly saw any big ticket defence deals in last 5-6 years...Govt has stuck on somewhere...have you noticed one thing no news regarding big infrastructure projects also...no new bullet train corridor, no new expressway, no new RRTS and many more....

 

[Karan Gogoi]

India doesn't actually have enough submarines. The Navy's ideal strength is 24 SSKs plus 6 or so SSNs. Of those, we have 17 SSKs. The larger problem is the age of the submarines, with 10 of the 17 SSKs being over 30 years old and needing replacement.

Yes, but India does have 2 SSBNs, third undergoing trial, and fourth launched into water last year.Project 75A has already been prioritized and expedited.

So, in essence, at least when it comes to Pakistan, IN is pretty well covered and has a roadmap that makes sense. The pressing trouble is naval budget, peer-level naval aviation, aircraft carriers, MCMVs, etc., not the number of subs. Yes, frigates are preferred because they're cheaper, but for power projection, you need destroyers that have more range, are more heavily armed, are more versatile, and multi-role. Besides, frigates of Project 11356 and Project 17A are already in service and under construction, with P17B NGF in the pipeline. Panic buying whatever is not the answer right now.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

Govt has put 3rd carrier on backburner...Govt is reducing everything...IN needed 6 SSN..Govt did permission of 2...No mention of LHD or LPD...IN needed 57 jets...but got permission of 26...Many defence deals have not signed despite all processes have been done..look at ATAGS, LCH, Refueler aircraft etc...Govt is spending more on freebies and subsidies nowadays...I hardly saw any big ticket defence deals in last 5-6 years...Govt has stuck on somewhere...have you noticed one thing no news regarding big infrastructure projects also...no new bullet train corridor, no new expressway, no new RRTS and many more....

3rd aircraft carrier is NOT on the backburner!! It's simply being re-imagined as a replacement for Vikramaditya, with the IN scrapping the idea of operating 3 aircraft carriers at the same time simultaneously and instead choosing to prioritize subs under construction in Project 75, 75A. Wasn't the need for more submarines your initial complaint?

I don't understand the hysteria regarding LPD, LHD, etc.??? People don't even understand what they are and their purpose! These amphibious platforms are still under RFI, undergoing design, tech assessment, and TOT negotiations. How much can the gov really talk about them right now???? Besides, these platforms are primarily used as auxiliary ships for disaster relief efforts and humanitarian assistance within the IN, unless it is invading foreign lands, and I don't think the IN or Indian gov is doing that right now. Important? Yes, but not really the need of the hour if coastal defense, SEZ patrol, or maritime blue water power projection is the priority.

Big ticket deal, what??? Everything is either under construction, undergoing sea trials, or under the design/tech development phase! What more "big ticket" deals could the IN go for?? It needs surveillance drones and armament upgradation right now.

 

[R. Singh]

We need 2500 km range land attack Kalibr missile for our Kilo SSKs !

 

[Anant]

Yes, but India does have 2 SSBNs, third undergoing trial, and fourth launched into water last year.Project 75A has already been prioritized and expedited.

So, in essence, at least when it comes to Pakistan, IN is pretty well covered and has a roadmap that makes sense. The pressing trouble is naval budget, peer-level naval aviation, aircraft carriers, MCMVs, etc., not the number of subs. Yes, frigates are preferred because they're cheaper, but for power projection, you need destroyers that have more range, are more heavily armed, are more versatile, and multi-role. Besides, frigates of Project 11356 and Project 17A are already in service and under construction, with P17B NGF in the pipeline. Panic buying whatever is not the answer right now.

SSBNs are not warfighting assets. You cannot compare a SSBN to a SSN or a SSK. SSBNs are deterrence assets, and should not be used in roles that involve interdiction an enemy fleet or something.