How many nuclear powered submarines is Indian Navy looking at, & by when

Summary

India's naval strategy, initially outlined in 1999, focused on inducting 24 conventional submarines by 2030. However, by December 2024, only five submarines have been inducted, with delays in the Project 75 and Project 76 programs. The Indian Navy plans to commission its first nuclear attack submarine (SSN) by 2036–37, with two additional SSNs planned soon after. Alongside these efforts, India is progressing in its nuclear ballistic missile submarine program and adding more Scorpène-class submarines. A deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighters is also set, showcasing the Navy's efforts to enhance its strength with multiple ongoing projects and inductions.

Takeaways

• 😀 India had a 30-year submarine building program starting in 1999, aiming to induct 24 conventional submarines by 2030, but only five have been inducted by December 2024.
• 😀 The sixth Scorpene submarine is soon to be commissioned under Project 75, with plans for six more conventional submarines with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) still awaiting contracts.
• 😀 The Indian Navy's experience with Project 75 is set to inform Project 76, which plans to build 12 indigenous submarines.
• 😀 India aims to commission its first fully indigenously designed nuclear attack submarine (SSN) by 2036-37, with a second one expected two years later.
• 😀 The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the construction of two SSNs, marking a significant development in India's naval capabilities.
• 😀 The Indian government had previously decided to convert six of the 12 conventional submarines under Project 76 into nuclear attack submarines (SSNs).
• 😀 India has a separate program for nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), which operate under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
• 😀 The second SSBN, INS Arat, was inducted in August and is currently undergoing trials, with two more SSBNs under construction, set to be larger and more capable.
• 😀 The new SSBNs will be 7,000 tons, compared to the 6,000-ton Arun and Arat, and will feature a different reactor and the ability to fire more K4 missiles.
• 😀 The K4 missile, with a range of about 3,500 km, was successfully tested from INS Arat, and its trajectory is currently being analyzed to confirm the missile's effectiveness.
• 😀 The Indian Navy plans to sign deals for three additional Scorpene submarines and 26 Rafale Marine fighters in the coming month, aiming to boost its naval power.
• 😀 Currently, 62 ships and a submarine are under construction in India, with a large number of platforms expected to be inducted in the next year, including one ship per month.

Q & A

What was India's original plan for its submarine fleet in 1999?

In 1999, India had a plan to induct 24 conventional submarines by 2030. However, as of December 2024, only five submarines have been inducted, with the sixth one soon to be commissioned under Project 75.

What is Project 75 India and what challenges is it facing?

Project 75 India involves the construction of six conventional submarines with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. However, India has yet to contract for this project, which has caused delays in the planned induction of these submarines.

What is Project 76, and how does it relate to Project 75?

Project 76 aims to build 12 indigenous submarines, and its design would benefit from the experience gained from Project 75. However, it is facing delays, and the planned construction is still in the planning stage.

When does the Indian Navy plan to induct its first indigenous nuclear attack submarine?

The Indian Navy plans to commission its first indigenous nuclear attack submarine (SSN) by 2036-37, with the second one expected to be commissioned two years later.

What approval has the Indian government given regarding the nuclear attack submarines?

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the construction of the first two indigenous nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). This marks the first time the Indian government has officially acknowledged these plans.

How are the conventional submarines under Project 76 being upgraded?

Under Project 76, six of the 12 conventional submarines are planned to be converted into nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), as approved by the Indian government. These will remain part of the Indian Navy's fleet.

What is the difference between the SSBN and SSN programs in the Indian Navy?

The SSBN program focuses on nuclear ballistic missile submarines, which are part of the strategic forces command (SFC). In contrast, the SSN program involves nuclear attack submarines, which will be built under the Indian Navy's direct control.

What is the current status of the INS Arid, and what future developments are planned for it?

INS Arid, the second SSBN, was inducted in August and is currently undergoing trials. Two more SSBNs are under construction, and these will be larger and equipped with more advanced features, such as a different reactor and the ability to fire more K4 missiles.

What is the K4 missile, and what recent development has taken place with it?

The K4 missile is a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range of about 3,500 kilometers. A recent test of the K4 missile occurred when INS Arid successfully launched it from a submarine, marking the first time it was launched in this manner.

What is the status of the Scorpene submarines in the Indian Navy?

The Indian Navy has signed a deal for three additional Scorpene submarines due to delays in the Project 75 India program. These submarines are part of efforts to strengthen India's naval capabilities.