Two Nuclear Attack Subs Not Enough, India Needs At Least Six to Effectively Safeguard Maritime Interests in IOR: Says Naval Veteran

Commodore Anil Jai Singh, a seasoned naval veteran and Vice President of the Indian Maritime Foundation, has voiced concerns over India's recent decision to limit its nuclear attack submarine program to just two vessels.

He argues that a larger program of six submarines, built in tranches of two or three, would offer significant advantages for the Indian Navy and the nation's defence industry.

Commodore Singh believes that a limited program could hinder the Indian Navy's ability to maintain operational readiness and sustain a credible deterrent. With only two submarines, routine maintenance and upgrades could compromise operational capabilities. A fleet of six would provide greater flexibility, ensuring continuous presence and deterrence.

Furthermore, a larger program would provide a substantial boost to the Indian defence industry. It would create a long-term pipeline of work, encouraging investment in advanced technologies and fostering competition among domestic companies. This competition could drive innovation and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting the Indian Navy.

India's strategic position necessitates a strong naval presence, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). A larger fleet of nuclear attack submarines would enhance India's power projection capabilities and safeguard its maritime interests. It would also serve as a potent deterrent against potential adversaries in the region.

While acknowledging budgetary constraints and other factors influencing the decision to limit the program, Commodore Singh emphasizes the need for a long-term reassessment. He believes a robust and modernized Indian Navy, equipped with a larger fleet of nuclear attack submarines, is crucial for safeguarding the nation's maritime security and economic interests in the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape of the IOR.

This concern comes in the wake of India's recent push to bolster its naval capabilities. The country recently launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the S4*, further strengthening its nuclear deterrence.

With the INS Arighaat, India's second SSBN, commissioned in August 2024 and the INS Aridhaman slated for commissioning in the coming months, the nation is clearly focused on enhancing its underwater capabilities. However, these are ballistic missile submarines, designed for nuclear deterrence, not attack submarines designed to hunt enemy ships and submarines.

 

[GeoLogic]

This program may take 10-15 yrs prior to final induction of 2 SSNs. I expect that by than India will be a big $12-15 trillion economy with more budgetary room and Govt of day will approve program for induction of not merely 6 rather 10-12 SSNs & 3-4 SSGNs to counter large fleet of 5-6 Chinese carrier groups by than.

 

[What the heck]

This is the best way to do it, increasing the power and displacement in small batches, this is Russian way of making any product.

 

[sanket]

Steady addition will b wise , expectation are more But by 2030 Bharat will b 3rd Largest Economy then IN may get more SSN subs , For last two decades IAF got only 36 Rafale Instead of 126 orignally planned so Navy should b happy apart from Subs addition From Kalvari to SSBN, SSN & Aircraft carrier Navy will get 26 Rafale M too .P-8 Submarine Hunter may b more will b ordered in Future , Romeo Choppers List goes on , it is Just Started

 

[The Presence]

This is just the initial order.

Maybe the technology we have now isn't cutting-edge, so inducting all 6 submarines built upon the same technology wasn't considered to be a wise decision.

Next 4 SSNs will have more powerful reactors with Type-212CD type stealthy design.

 

[MANIVANNAN N]

Not just two, it is first batch, next batch will be more advanced. Dont confuse. No production facilty idle indian govt policy.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

This is the way. Block wise upgradation is the key.

 

[ramdas]

Don't know what happened to France's initiative on the nuclear sub-collaboration.

 

[Koorma]

These two may be especially to gain experience in operating them.

 

[Kira]

I believe this is the first batch of SSNs, the upcoming vessels that will be following them would be larger and more sophisticated.

 

[Sandeep]

This is just the first batch. It will take them about 6-8 years to finish building the two nuclear attack submarines as it’s the first time that we are designing and developing the new technology so by then there will be improvements and changes to it.

 

[R. Singh]

Apart from two home made SSNs we should make 10 Kazan class and 10 Suffren class SSN to rule sub surface of IOR and beyond !

 

[Anant]

This is the best way to do it, increasing the power and displacement in small batches, this is Russian way of making any product.

Technically speaking, this is how any decent serial production happens, regardless of nation. That said, this is the optimal way to do it provided interoperability is maintained.

 

[Anant]

I believe this is the first batch of SSNs, the upcoming vessels that will be following them would be larger and more sophisticated.

More sophisticated, yes. Larger, probably not, especially if these boats themselves reach 10,000 tonnes.

 

[TETRA]

A small step is better than nothing. First of all the efficacy of indigenous production has to be tested. Then the Govt can go ahead with a larger number. As such the Naval veteran is correct. Let us hope plans are made to produce more no of smaller subs

 

[Pad UwU]

Should we outreach to get AUKUS class subs🙃😹

 

[Rational Guy]

This is just the initial order.

Maybe the technology we have now isn't cutting-edge, so inducting all 6 submarines built upon the same technology wasn't considered to be a wise decision.

Next 4 SSNs will have more powerful reactors with Type-212CD type stealthy design.

Already these 2 SSNs will have 190 MW reactors now much more power we need?

 

[Bhavesh]

Already these 2 SSNs will have 190 MW reactors now much more power we need?

The best discussion I found on social media about Indian nuclear triad.

Enjoy!

 

[Bhavesh]

China has expanded their 2 naval shipyards massively. They will able to produce type 92 SSN AND TYPE 95 SSBM every 18 months.