Indian SSBNs: A Strategic Advantage for the US in the Indo-Pacific

India's growing fleet of nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) could be a significant factor in the US strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Kris Osborn, President of the Center for Military Modernization.

Specifically, India's Arihant-class submarines, represent a key asset to deter regional adversaries like China.

India's Nuclear Deterrent​

The Arihant-class submarines are India's first domestically built SSBNs.

Their precise operational numbers remain confidential, but the mere fact of their existence boosts India's nuclear triad and adds credibility to its regional deterrence policies.

Why Indian SSBNs are Important to US Strategy​

Osborn outlines several reasons why Indian SSBNs are valuable to US interests in the Indo-Pacific:

• Increased Pressure on China: The deployment of Indian SSBNs, alongside the upcoming US Columbia-class submarines, forces China to address a "two-pronged" threat beneath the waves. This complicates Chinese military maneuvers and may help curb aggressive ambitions.
• Countering China's Nuclear Expansion: In response to China's accelerated nuclear modernization efforts, including the potent JL-3 submarine-launched missiles, a robust counter is required. Indian SSBNs present a vital component of that counter, ensuring Chinese nuclear threats are met with a credible response.
• Indirectly Protecting the US: China's growing submarine power and the long-range JL-3 missiles are a potential danger to the US mainland. By occupying Chinese attention in the Indian Ocean region, Indian SSBNs indirectly lessen the threat directed towards the US.

Potential Areas for Cooperation​

Osborn's assessment implies that the US and India may find value in increased cooperation around their respective SSBN programs. This could involve:

• Information sharing: Providing a coordinated regional picture of maritime threats and submarine movements.
• Joint exercises: Developing tactics and procedures to maximize SSBN effectiveness in contested environments.
• Technology exchange: Exploring potential technology transfers and research partnerships, with appropriate safeguards, to improve submarine technology on both sides.

Conclusion​

In the ongoing strategic competition within the Indo-Pacific, India's nuclear submarine capabilities are likely to gain even more significance in the years to come.

It appears the US recognizes the value of these assets and the potential for enhanced cooperation with India as a force for stability in the region.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

India is the only chinese adversary(other than USA) to operate nuclear subs in Indo pacific. I dont believe other american allies like japan or korea operate any.

 

[Frank]

30 SSK (20 AIP +VLS, 10 Scorpene)
10 SSN (190MW)
8 SSBN (k4, k5)

We should have by 2035...

China will have 90 Subs by then...

 

[Anant]

India is the only chinese adversary(other than USA) to operate nuclear subs in Indo pacific. I dont believe other american allies like japan or korea operate any.

You are correct. Only six nations operate nuclear-powered submarines as of today: India and P5. Moreover, Brazil and Australia have SSNs under construction or planned. Also, there are only six nations that operate SSBNs: India and P5.

 

[Anant]

30 SSK (20 AIP +VLS, 10 Scorpene)
10 SSN (190MW)
8 SSBN (k4, k5)

We should have by 2035...

China will have 90 Subs by then...

How much of that are you willing to fund / develop / build?

By 2035, we will have 20-ish SSKs, 1-3 SSNs, and 4-ish SSBNs.

 

[Chandrasekhar Panda]

USA is reluctant to provide nuclear attack submarine technology to India to counter China effectively. US only sees its own self interest.

 

[Amit Ray]

USA is reluctant to provide nuclear attack submarine technology to India to counter China effectively. US only sees its own self interest.

Quite naturally, nobody gives nuclear technology.

 

[kumar]

Quite naturally, nobody gives nuclear technology.

Indian nuke sub was developed with help of Russia.

 

[desigandu]

How much of that are you willing to fund / develop / build?

By 2035, we will have 20-ish SSKs, 1-3 SSNs, and 4-ish SSBNs.

I agree...It boils down to funding and lead times...Assuming India becomes a $10T economy by 2035 with a Defense Budget of 2.5% of GDP (about $250B) and say we start accelerating SSNs/SSBNs build in 2030 ($7.5T economy and Defense Budget of 2.5% of GDP $175B) and build/test/deploy timelines of 5-7 years - we could aim for 4-6 SSNs (say 1 every 18-24 months) and 6-8 SSBNs (including the older 2 retired as training ships or converted to SSGNs; with S4s and S5s say 1 every 2 years), only in the 2035-2040 timeframe...We also need to think about maybe 4 carriers (1 existing + 1 new in 45000Ton class + 2 65000Ton class delivered in 2035-2040, 5 years apart), other major surface combatants (50+ Destroyers/Frigates), SSKs (20-30 with AIP+Lithium Ion+VLS at least in P-76s) and LPDs/LHDs (4-6)...Key to all this will be money, and lead times...We should look at increased capacity to build ships/subs more quickly with a 50% reduction between keel laying-deployment (includes testing etc.)...We need long term planning with long term allocation of Defense funds (say a $100-250B non-lapsable modernization fund for 10 years, 2025-2035 over and above our annual Defense Budget)...This game is long term and requires patience, perseverance and a relentless pursuit of R&D, and Manufacturing with enhancements...easier said than done - but doable by 2047-2050, if we want to be a dominant global power - both economically and militarily.

 

[Amit Ray]

You are correct. Only six nations operate nuclear-powered submarines as of today: India and P5. Moreover, Brazil and Australia have SSNs under construction or planned. Also, there are only six nations that operate SSBNs: India and P5.

Nuclear powered submarines is not same as Nuclear armed submarines. India doesn't have any operational nuclear powered submarines at present. The SSBN have just been inducted but yet to be fully operational.

 

[Yeagerist]

USA is reluctant to provide nuclear attack submarine technology to India to counter China effectively. US only sees its own self interest.

nobody going to give u any form of technology even for money either steal like China or do R&D like the US.

 

[Yeagerist]

India is the only chinese adversary(other than USA) to operate nuclear subs in Indo pacific. I dont believe other american allies like japan or korea operate any.

US will rely on Aussies for nuclear sub role in the Indo Pacific, India is only optional.
afterall they r a part of the 5 eyes (the only countries USA trusts)

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

US will rely on Aussies for nuclear sub role in the Indo Pacific, India is only optional.
afterall they r a part of the 5 eyes (the only countries USA trusts)

Aussies wont get nuclear subs till 2035. And they will be nuclear attack subs. India will still be the only country with nuclear subs armed with nuclear missiles.

 

[Sandeep]

Indian nuke sub was developed with help of Russia.

Russia didn’t provide any technology or assistance in developing the technology. India did most of it by itself and they only used Russia as project consultants who just gave simple advice on developing it.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s crucial and absolutely essential that we have developed a lot of the technology and number of submarines. Currently we only have 2 submarines that are deployed but the next 2 submarines will be a little bit bigger and longer so that we can install an even longer range nuclear missile which is helpful.

 

[NSR]

India already has two operational SSBN nuclear powered and nuclear missiles armed submarines named Arihant and Arighat.
Another more powerful SSBN named Aridhamman is on way.

Sneaking near West Bengal coast and launching their 3,500 + kms nuclear missiles can reach most of crimina china Tibet assets and even some Southern china hinterland assets too.

Great things are brewing in SSBN and SSN Nuclear Attack Submarine areas.
A 190+ MW miniature nuclear reactor is already ready next level SSBNs and SSNs.

India is making big strides in these areas.

 

[Pink Panther]

India is the only chinese adversary(other than USA) to operate nuclear subs in Indo pacific. I dont believe other american allies like japan or korea operate any.

Australia will be operating Virginia class Nuke submarine soon, France also operates Nuclear submarine in this area.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Australia will be operating Virginia class Nuke submarine soon, France also operates Nuclear submarine in this area.

France is chummy with everyone, it will never pick fight with china, least of all in indian ocean. And australian nuke submarines are at least a decade away. And they will be atrack subs with nuclear weapons. No comparision to india which has nuclear subs with nuclear missiles today in neighbourhood of china

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Nuclear powered submarines is not same as Nuclear armed submarines. India doesn't have any operational nuclear powered submarines at present. The SSBN have just been inducted but yet to be fully operational.

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