Indian Navy plans to dispose of five nuclear submarines until the end of the decade and it already joined the elite club of nations possessing nuclear-powered submarineswith the induction of the Russian-origin ‘Nerpa’ last week, Zeenews reports.
According to Indian Defence Minister AK Antony , India is tabling a proposal to induct another nuclear submarine from Russia and plans to build two more Arihant Class underwater vessels at home.
On April 5 the Navy formally commissioned the Akula-II Class INS Chakra in Vishakhapatnam, which was rechristened from Nerpa.
“INS Chakra will ensure security and sovereignty of the country,” Defence Minister said after commissioning the vessel.
The submarine has been taken on lease from Russia for 10 years, based on $ 900 million worth contract and it will help the Navy to train and operate such nuclear-powered vessels and be able to defend its marine borders.
Russian Ambassador Alexander M Kadakin , who attended the ceremony, stated that India and Russia have a “privileged strategic partnership “, adding that Russia has the necessary resources to meet all India’s military needs.
In that respect, Russia is providing assistance to India in construction of three follow-on Talwar class guided missile frigates, out of which two should be delivered by the end of the year.
Moreover, six Scorpene submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dockyards in Mumbai in collaboration with French DCNS and six more are planned to be manufactured within the framework of the Project-75 India.
The Minister commenting on the India’s plans to enlarge its nuclear submarine fleet stated that:
“There is a proposal…Cost is not necessary. India can afford it… In the next few years, the Navy will get more submarines.”
He also added that INS Arihant is ready to be sent for sea trials soon
Currently Indian Navy disposes of over 10 conventional diesel-electric submarines of the Kilo and HDW Class.
In addition, the country has already carried out more than 10 test launches of the K-15 missile (also known as Sagarika) in the Bay of Bengal with an aim of developing arsenal for Arihant. The range of the nuclear-capable ballistic missile is over 700 km.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 11, 2012;