On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), approved the construction of two nuclear-powered conventional submarines in a bid to significantly enhance India's military prowess. These submarines will be built at a cost of around Rs 40,000 crore. The initial plan was to go for as many as 6 nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs).
The move to construct the indigenous submarines is part of India's efforts to modernise its military which includes enhancing its naval capabilities and improving domestic weapons-making capabilities in the wake of China's increased presence in the Indian Ocean region.
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India currently does not possess an SSN.
Nuclear-powered attack submarines are among the most potent naval weapons in the world as they are much faster, quieter, and can stay longer in water when compared to diesel-powered variants of submarines, making them tough to detect. Designed primarily for offensive operations against enemy submarines and surface ships, SSNs use nuclear reactors for propulsion.
Indian Navy currently has 17 diesel-powered attack submarines and one nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, while China has 12 nuclear-powered submarines.
“SSNs are a game changer. They are powerful platforms with stealth and unlimited endurance. They can remain underwater indefinitely and operate far away from the port for long periods and at high speeds. They can move along as part of the carrier battle group. Armed with long-range missiles, they can change the shape of maritime battle,” EurAsian Times quoted former Indian Navy submariner Commodore Anil Jai Singh as saying.
The construction of submarines, which will happen at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam will also involve private players like Larsen & Toubro, according to news agency ANI.
According to reports, the new submarines will be different from the Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarines the country is now building.