India to Build Two Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines at New Visakhapatnam Facility, Construction to Begin by End of 2029

India is significantly bolstering its naval capabilities with the approval to construct two indigenously designed nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at a new submarine facility in Visakhapatnam.

This project marks a major step forward in India's long-term vision to strengthen its underwater fleet and enhance its maritime power projection. Construction is set to commence by the end of 2029, with the steel-cutting process marking the official start.

While the initiation of construction is a crucial milestone, the journey to operational deployment will be a lengthy one. The SSN program is estimated to require at least seven years before the first submarine is ready for harbor and sea trials, pushing the timeline to around 2035.

Following the initial rollout, another four to five years will be needed for the submarine to complete all necessary trials, including extensive weapons testing, before it can be inducted into the Indian Navy. This means the first indigenous SSN is unlikely to enter service before 2036.

These new SSNs will incorporate cutting-edge technology, much of which is being developed for the first time by Indian defence scientists. A major technological advancement in this program is the introduction of a new 190 MWe Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) to power the submarines, significantly enhancing their endurance and operational capabilities.

The development of these submarines represents a significant leap forward in India's nuclear submarine program, which has primarily focused on the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). Unlike SSBNs, designed for nuclear deterrence, SSNs are built for offensive operations, specializing in hunting enemy submarines and surface ships, conducting surveillance, and ensuring dominance in critical maritime zones.

Given the complexity of the SSN program, challenges are expected, particularly during the testing and validation phases. Like the Arihant-class SSBN program, which underwent years of rigorous testing, the SSN program will involve extensive trials to ensure all systems, including propulsion, stealth capabilities, and weapons integration, function flawlessly.

These submarines will undergo multiple phases of sea trials, including tests of their sonar systems, torpedoes, and cruise missile launch platforms. The trials will also evaluate the endurance of the new 190 MWe reactor under various operational conditions. Each phase will validate different elements of the submarine's design and capabilities, contributing to the extended timeline towards induction.

Despite the long and complex timeline, the SSN program marks a crucial advancement in India's naval capabilities. Post-2035, the Indian Navy will possess some of the most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarines in the region, specifically designed to meet the unique strategic requirements of the Indian Ocean Region. This development will significantly enhance India's ability to protect its maritime interests and project power in the Indo-Pacific.

 

India's MQ-9B Drones to Free Up P-8I Aircraft for Critical Missions, Offering Affordable and Persistent Surveillance in IOR Lok Sabha Pays Solemn Tribute to Security Personnel Killed in 2001 Parliament Attack

[sanket]

Good News, current have almost cleared all required weapon deals only thing remain is MRFA, & Hope it will complete with Make in India. It should have two construction Line instead of single, Building two SSN at once will help to shorten then Time of Induction.

 

[neil]

If these are so urgent, why will we start constructing them only after 5 years (2029)?

 

[swatkats_razor]

If these are so urgent, why will we start constructing them only after 5 years (2029)?

These things take time to fruitify. SSN are epitome of submerged weapon platforms. Often SSN are equipped with higher rated powerplants. By simple comparison, if SSBN are thought to be like Land-Rovers then SSN are the Ferraris of submerged platforms.

Compare this with the target timeline provided by the US/UK for supplying nuclear submarines promised to Australia under the AUKUS-SSN deal.

 

[Anant]

Alright, the math is off. If construction begins in 2029, and it would take roughly seven years for sea trials to start, that pushes the time to 2036-37. Add in 4-5 years for sea trials and pre-commissioning work, and that means the first boat wouldn't be commissioned until 2040-42. A very long timeline, and one that needs to be shortened to the extent feasible.

 

[Rajesh]

Why do design from scratch and get such late construction start? Instead, modify existing Arihant class to use VLS rather than silos so as to prepone this.

 

[Rama Hota]

2029 too late for construction of SSN
we need atleast 2 SSN by 2031

 

[Sandeep]

Why do design from scratch and get such late construction start? Instead, modify existing Arihant class to use VLS rather than silos so as to prepone this.

These submarines will be twice the size of the Arihant submarines and weigh over 12000T and more. These submarines will need to house more cruise/ballistic missiles and torpedoes as it doesn’t carry a nuclear missile unlike the Arihant SSBN which doesn’t need so many missiles to create the same amount of damage.

 

[Sandeep]

If these are so urgent, why will we start constructing them only after 5 years (2029)?

Construction will start straight away as they first need to manufacture the metal, equipment and technology which will take some time as these are very complex systems.

 

[Sandeep]

This is the first time that we are designing, developing and manufacturing our first SSN nuclear attack submarines which will be at least 120000T big and we need to make sure that the technology, equipment, parts and components etc are developed and manufactured properly and safely.

It will take a long time to manufacture all of the critical technology and equipment like the 190MW reactor, nuclear fuel storage, hulls metal composition, propeller, sensors, sonar, torpedo decoys, communication equipment and network, combat management suite, software, submarine computer, VLS etc. Once we have manufactured and assembled the submarine many years will be spent on running the very long period of tests and certifying it ready for induction which can easily take about 3-4 years. As soon as the first submarine starts construction then the second submarine will only be a year or two behind the first induction.