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India is actively developing an advanced 200-megawatt (MW) nuclear reactor, marking a significant leap in its maritime technology ambitions.
This new reactor is being designed with a dual-use purpose: to power large civilian container ships and to serve as the heart of the Indian Navy's next generation of strategic submarines.
The military variant is slated for integration into the future S5-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and the forthcoming Project-77 nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs).
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which successfully developed the 83 MW reactor for the current Arihant-class submarines, is engineering this new, more powerful 200 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR).
While earlier reports suggested a 190 MW reactor was planned, it now appears the 200 MW design will serve as the new baseline architecture. This development represents a nearly 2.5-times increase in power output over the current generation, signaling a major advancement in India's indigenous nuclear capabilities.
This powerful new reactor is designed to propel India's future strategic fleet. This includes the S5-class SSBNs, which are expected to displace approximately 13,000 tons, and the Project-77 SSNs, which are planned as 10,000-ton hunter-killer submarines.
The substantial increase in power will provide these vessels with vastly superior underwater endurance, greater speeds estimated at over 30 knots, and a significantly extended operational range.
On the civilian front, the development of a 200 MW reactor for commercial shipping, as part of the Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR) initiative, aims to position India among the few nations exploring nuclear propulsion for merchant vessels.
This move aligns with India's long-term green energy goals, offering a path toward zero-emission maritime trade and reducing the shipping industry's heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
For the Indian Navy, this reactor represents a profound strategic enhancement. The S5-class, set to replace the Arihant-class, will leverage the increased power to carry a heavier weapons load, reportedly including up to 16 launch tubes for long-range, MIRV-equipped ballistic missiles like the K-5 and K-6.
The Project-77 SSNs will use the same powerplant, enabling them to effectively hunt enemy ships and submarines. Utilizing a standardized reactor across both new submarine classes will also streamline logistics, training, and maintenance for the navy.
This 200 MW program is the culmination of BARC's steady evolution in reactor technology since the commissioning of the 83 MW reactor.
The new design reportedly features significant advancements in fuel efficiency, heat management, and modern safety systems, all while achieving the miniaturization necessary to fit within a submarine's hull.
Successful completion of this dual-use reactor program will not only provide India with a formidable and highly credible sea-based strategic deterrent but also establish the nation as a pioneer in the emerging field of nuclear-powered commercial shipping, potentially reshaping the future of sustainable global logistics.
