India to Construct Six Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines Amid Rising Maritime Challenges

New Delhi, India – As India prepares for the increasing presence of Chinese and Pakistani naval assets in the Indian Ocean, the government is ramping up its efforts to enhance its naval capabilities, particularly through the expansion of its nuclear-powered submarine fleet. A substantial investment of ₹400 billion (approximately US$4.8 billion) has been approved for the construction of the first two submarines of a new class of attack submarines (SSNs), each weighing 6,000 tons. This initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering India's maritime security amidst escalating regional tensions.  

Local media reports indicate that over 90% of the components for these new submarines will be sourced domestically, reflecting India's commitment to self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. Plans are in place for a total of six SSNs in this class to be constructed for the Indian Navy (IN). These submarines are expected to play a crucial role in monitoring Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean, as well as overseeing strategic maritime routes such as the Malacca Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and the Persian Gulf.

India's efforts to expand its naval capabilities come in response to a growing Chinese naval presence, which has been steadily increasing since 2008 due to ongoing counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. The new SSNs will be equipped with advanced weaponry, including torpedoes and BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack missiles, although it will take several years before the first of these submarines, constructed at Vishakhapatnam, enters operational service.  

Past Russian Assistance and Future Plans  

Historically, India has leased SSNs from Russia, with the most recent Akula-class submarine being in service from 2011 to 2021. While plans for another Akula lease may materialize in 2028 as a temporary solution, the focus on Indigenous construction underscores a strategic shift towards greater self-reliance in defence capabilities.

In addition to the SSNs, India is also investing in nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). In August 2024, INS Arighaat, a 6,000-ton SSBN, was commissioned in Visakhapatnam, marking India's second entry into the realm of SSBNs, following INS Arihant, which entered service in 2016. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the significance of these advancements, stating, “Today, India is surging ahead to become a developed country. It’s essential for us to develop rapidly in every field, including defence, especially in today’s geopolitical scenario. Along with economic prosperity, we need a strong military.”  

Enhancing India’s Nuclear Triad  

INS Arighaat is expected to strengthen India’s nuclear triad and enhance the nation’s nuclear deterrence capability, contributing to the establishment of a strategic balance and peace in the region. Singh noted that the submarine will play a decisive role in India's national security. 

Constructed over a protracted period of 15 years, INS Arighaat’s keel was laid in 2009 and launched in 2017. Details about the vessel remain classified, with no publicly available photographs. The Ministry of Defence has highlighted that the technological advancements incorporated into Arighaat render it significantly more advanced than its predecessor, INS Arihant. Key improvements are believed to include larger missile capacities, enhanced internal design, and superior propulsion systems.

A press release from the Ministry of Defence stated, “The construction of INS Arighaat involved advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research and development, utilization of special materials, complex engineering, and highly skilled workmanship.”  

Looking ahead, India is set to commission a third SSBN, designated S4, in 2025, which is expected to be approximately 20 meters longer than its predecessors. Additionally, a fourth SSBN, the 7,000-ton S4*, was successfully launched on October 16, further strengthening India's maritime nuclear capabilities.  

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