India is charting a bold course in maritime strategy with its initiative to bolster the fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines. This move, which began with the Cabinet Committee on Security’s endorsement in 2015, aims to fortify India’s position in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean Region.
The program’s initial stage is set to introduce a trio of 6,000-ton submarines, each one driven by a homegrown nuclear reactor from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. With the design phase drawing to a close, the anticipation for the project’s inauguration is high, and the maiden submarine is expected to embark on sea trials shortly after the year 2035.
Looking ahead, the Indian Navy’s ambitions are not limited to these first vessels. The subsequent phase envisions the addition of three more submarines, and a third phase is projected to develop even more sophisticated models, potentially expanding the fleet to a total of nine. The details of this third phase are still under wraps, but it is expected to incorporate state-of-the-art technology and might feature larger vessels, surpassing the 6,000-ton mark.
The construction of these formidable SSNs is likely to be undertaken at Visakhapatnam’s Ship Building Centre, the same location where India’s ballistic missile submarines are being developed. Notably, the design of these attack submarines is adaptable, allowing for future upgrades to accommodate even larger submarines, possibly up to 8,000 tons.
India’s commitment to developing a powerful nuclear submarine fleet underscores its desire for a dominant and flexible naval force. The fruition of this program will depend on continuous technological progress, strategic investment, and forward-thinking planning. As India advances with its SSN program, it will be fascinating to watch how this endeavor influences its naval strategy and presence in the Indian Ocean Region.