India Approves Construction of New Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines
India’s Naval Modernization Efforts
India has taken a significant step towards modernizing its military, particularly its naval capabilities. On Wednesday, the government approved plans to construct two new classes of nuclear-powered attack submarines, with a project estimated to cost around 450 billion rupees ($5.4 billion).
Boosting Naval Capabilities and Domestic Weapons-Making Capacity
India is seeking to strengthen its naval presence in the face of China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. To achieve this, India is focusing on boosting its naval capabilities and improving its domestic weapons-making capacity.
Prime Minister’s Approval
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet has given the green light for the construction of the first two submarines of a new class of six that the Indian Navy plans to build. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development, but declined to provide specific delivery dates.
Rising Concerns about China’s Naval Presence
China’s naval force is the largest in the world, with over 370 ships. Tensions between India and China have been escalating since their border clashes in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 24 Indian soldiers. The Indian government is concerned about China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region, making it essential to strengthen its naval capabilities to address this security risk.
Characteristics of Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines
Nuclear-powered attack submarines are faster, quieter, and capable of longer underwater stays than conventional diesel-powered craft, making them more difficult to detect. Only a handful of nations currently produce these advanced submarines, including China, France, Russia, and the United States.
India’s Previous Experience with Nuclear-Powered Submarines
India has previously leased two nuclear-powered attack submarines from Russia but returned them. The country has also been in talks with Russia to lease another. The new submarines will be built at the government’s shipbuilding centre in Visakhapatnam, with construction major Larsen and Toubro expected to join the project.
Comparison with Arihant-Class Submarines
The new submarines will be different from the Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarines India is currently building, which are capable of launching nuclear weapons. The second Arihant-class submarine was commissioned in August.
Conclusion
India’s decision to construct new nuclear-powered attack submarines is a significant step in modernizing its military capabilities. This move reflects the country’s growing concerns about China’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean region and its desire to strengthen its naval capabilities. The construction of these submarines will not only boost India’s defense capabilities but also showcase its ability to produce advanced weapons domestically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the estimated cost of the project to build the new submarines?
The project is estimated to cost around 450 billion rupees ($5.4 billion). - How many submarines will be built under this project?
India will build six new submarines, with the approval for the first two submarines given by the Prime Minister’s cabinet. - Will the new submarines be different from the Arihant-class submarines?
Yes, the new submarines will be different from the Arihant-class submarines, which are capable of launching nuclear weapons. - Where will the new submarines be built?
The new submarines will be built at the government’s shipbuilding centre in Visakhapatnam.