New Delhi: In a move to strengthen the country’s maritime strength, the Indian Navy is set to introduce indigenously designed nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) by 2036. Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, the Navy Chief, announced this development during a press briefing ahead of Navy Day, marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence strategy.
The first SSN is expected to be commissioned by 2036-37 while the second will follow approximately two years later. The approval for these submarines has been granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), indicating strong governmental support for the initiative.
This program is seen as crucial for bolstering India’s maritime defence capabilities, particularly in response to increasing naval activities from China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The SSNs will enhance India’s ability to project power and protect national interests, contributing to a more robust naval presence.
The design and construction of these submarines will be conducted entirely within India, reflecting a commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This initiative is expected to stimulate the domestic defence industry and create new opportunities for local manufacturers.
Admiral Tripathi emphasised that this move aligns with the broader goal of making India a self-sufficient defence power. “India’s first nuclear-powered attack submarines is a game changer that will not only give the Indian Navy a unique operational capability, but also lift the defence manufacturing ecosystem, with a breakthrough moment expected for the ‘Make in India’ initiative within the next five years,” Navy chief said.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing developments in India’s submarine fleet, including the commissioning of INS Arighat, the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which is currently undergoing trials. The Navy Chief also mentioned ongoing projects such as the acquisition of additional Scorpene-class submarines to enhance conventional warfare capabilities.
India’s plan to develop and deploy indigenous nuclear attack submarines by 2036 marks a significant strategic advancement for the Indian Navy, reinforcing its operational readiness and deterrence capabilities in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
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