India's Nuclear Attack Submarines to be Equipped with Long-Range Cruise Missiles and Hypersonic Capabilities

India is significantly bolstering its naval power with the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) that will also function as guided missile submarines (SSGNs).

This ambitious program, a collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is set to enhance India's strategic deterrence and maritime dominance.

A key feature of these advanced submarines will be their ability to launch a new generation of long-range cruise missiles. These sub-sonic missiles are expected to have a range of 800 to 1,000 km, a significant increase compared to existing systems.

The Navy is also pursuing the development of even longer-range variants, with potential ranges extending from 1,500 to 2,500 km. This extended reach will allow India to strike targets far beyond its shores while maintaining a safe distance from potential conflict zones.

While the focus remains on sub-sonic cruise missiles for their cost-effectiveness, the Indian Navy is also exploring the integration of hypersonic weapons systems aboard its SSGNs. These cutting-edge weapons are designed for precision strikes against high-value targets, adding another layer to India's offensive capabilities.

The SSN/SSGN program is poised to redefine India's strategic posture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These submarines, with their ability to operate stealthily and launch long-range strikes, will significantly enhance India's power projection capabilities and its ability to respond to regional threats.

 

[Anant]

Time to further develop the Nirbhay / ITCM. 1500+ km is a formidable striking range.

 

[Ajath Shri]

Actually it would be à good move. Equipping SUBS with long range cruise missile is a great advantage. Can target any land target at a great stand off distance. Hope the missiles are developed quickly.

 

[Neal.B]

I was talking about it few weeks ago. Finally Navy has realised the importance of ssgn based long range cruise missiles

 

[Sridhar]

Time to further develop the Nirbhay / ITCM. 1500+ km is a formidable striking range.

ITCM is already in an advanced stage. With some tweaking the missile will be ready for deployment.

 

[Anant]

ITCM is already in an advanced stage. With some tweaking the missile will be ready for deployment.

That it is, Sir. However, the missile has a range of around 1,500 km. If the Navy wants further extensions to the range, that'll need work.

 

[Fr@nk]

In 5 years I will be a billionaire...


Just daydreaming

 

[Marcus]

By 2030 India need to develop intercontinental ballistic missile of range more than 10000 km for submarine, alongwith spaceforce, missileforce, to keep western powers in check if need arises, as India grows deep state will likely try to destabilize India.

 

[Akshat]

ITCM is already in an advanced stage. With some tweaking the missile will be ready for deployment.

The missile is not meant for deployment buddy. DRDO has made it clear that Nirbhay was meant to be deployed, but it turned out to be a dud. Multiple missiles now being developed, like LRLACM etc., are based on ITCM. So as of now nothing is ready for deployment.

 

[Sridhar]

The missile is not meant for deployment buddy. DRDO has made it clear that Nirbhay was meant to be deployed, but it turned out to be a dud. Multiple missiles now being developed, like LRLACM etc., are based on ITCM. So as of now nothing is ready for deployment.

FYI. Nirbhay is already deployed. And ITCM with successful integration of MANIK engine is already in the process of getting inducted.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to develop very long range missiles which gives it the long strike capability of at least 5000+km. India needs to develop a range of subsonic, cruise and hypersonic missiles 100% indigenously.

 

[Akshat]

FYI. Nirbhay is already deployed. And ITCM with successful integration of MANIK engine is already in the process of getting inducted.

Nirbhay program has been closed in 2023, without any mass production orders. Some units, meant for testing, had been seen on the LAC, but no production orders were ever given, proving that the program failed.

As for ITCM, the program director (some lady) had mentioned during a live interview that Nirbhay is supposed to be inducted while ITCM is a tech demonstrator and won’t be inducted. I can bet you that you won’t be able to find a single official comment or document that specifically names ITCM and says that any orders have been placed or any such proposal from any department is under consideration.