Navy Seeks Government Approval for Three Advanced Attack Submarines

Sources indicate that MDL is likely to be awarded the contract to construct three AIP submarines, which will be customized to meet the specific needs of the Indian Navy. MDL has previously built six Kalveri class submarines, based on the French Scorpene class, for the Indian Navy. The commissioning of the sixth vessel, INS Vagsheer, is expected to take place prior to March 2024.

The air independent propulsion (AIP) system to be installed in the three submarines will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization, with testing and validation to be carried out by the French Naval Group. Once validated, the same AIP technology will also be retrofitted into the existing Kalveri class submarines during their mid-life overhaul at MDL.

Amid the announcement of the AUKUS alliance, which involves the US and UK deploying nuclear-powered submarines along the west coast of Australia by 2027, India is seeking to modernize its submarine fleet by partnering with France to build three conventional weapon-armed nuclear-powered submarines, based on the latest 4765-ton Barracuda class design. The AUKUS agreement stipulates that the US will supply Australia with three Virginia class submarines by the 2030s, with an option to purchase two more. Furthermore, the US and UK will work together to design and develop the AUKUS class submarines. The Virginia class submarine has a displacement of over 10200 tons and is propelled by a nuclear reactor using 97% weapons-grade enriched uranium.

Although the process of acquiring nuclear attack submarines may involve some procedural delays, India is anticipated to receive a nuclear attack submarine on lease from Russia in 2025, as per the terms of a previous contract. This arrangement was agreed upon prior to the Ukraine conflict, and India is expected to adhere to the agreed-upon payment schedule. The new submarine will replace the previously leased INS Chakra.

Given the rapid expansion of the Chinese Navy, which currently boasts eight Jin-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines and 12 Shang and Han class nuclear attack submarines, India must enhance its sea-based deterrence capabilities. With the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) now operating two aircraft carriers, and a third, the Fujian, set to launch soon, it's only a matter of time before Chinese carrier strike forces begin patrolling the Indo-Pacific region and engaging in gunboat diplomacy.