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The Indian Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) programme has been approved by the government and the first such submarine will be ready by 2036, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi said on Monday.
Addressing the annual press conference, he said that while the first indigenously-made nuclear-powered submarine will be delivered by 2036, the second one will be delivered within the next two years.
“These SSNs will significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to project power and safeguard national interests,” Admiral Tripathi said.
“The program will also galvanise the defence ecosystem, creating opportunities for Indian industry and advancing self-reliance,” he added.
The Navy Chief further said that the recent commissioning of INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), marked a critical milestone in the Navy’s nuclear deterrence capability.
“INS Arighat is currently undergoing trials, including missile tests, to ensure its readiness for deterrence patrols,” he said.
Notably, the first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, has already completed multiple deterrence patrols, providing India with a credible second-strike capability, a key component of its nuclear doctrine.
Admiral Tripathi said that the deal for three more Scorpene-class submarines, built in collaboration with France’s Naval Group under Project-75, is in the final stages, with contracts expected to be signed within two months. A total of five Scorpene submarines have already enhanced India’s conventional underwater warfare capabilities.
These diesel-electric submarines are equipped with advanced stealth features and long-range precision-strike capabilities, making them a critical asset in the Navy’s operations. The talks for six more such submarines under Project 75 India are also in the final stages, the Navy Chief said.
He also highlighted the successful testing of the K4 submarine-launched ballistic missile and said that such advancements “solidify our deterrence capabilities”.
Admiral Tripathi said that India’s submarine fleet serves as a crucial counterbalance in the face of growing maritime activities by China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
He noted that while Pakistan’s plans to build a 50-ship fleet are ambitious given its economic constraints, China’s strategic investments in submarine technology aim to establish global maritime dominance.
“China’s intent, resources, and vision to become a world power are evident. However, we are ensuring that India’s interests remain uncompromised,” Admiral Tripathi said.
“Our focus is on creating a modern, self-reliant force capable of securing India’s interests across all domains. The submarine fleet will remain a critical pillar of this transformation,” he added.
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