India to build two nuclear subs with an eye on China – media

It will take 10-12 years to commission the first of the submarines, sources told the Times of India

The Indian government on Wednesday gave long-awaited clearance for a project to build two nuclear-powered attack submarines, national media have reported, citing sources. The project cost is estimated at around 450 billion rupees ($5.4 billion).

New Delhi has also cleared a deal to acquire 31 weaponized MQ-9B Predator drones from the US for an additional $4 billion, as part of a long-term plan to counter China in the region, sources told the Times of India. The article noted that both platforms will be able to “quietly gather intelligence, track enemy targets at extended ranges, and then destroy them if required.”

A source told the paper that it will take 10 to 12 years to commission the vessel, termed an SSN – meaning ‘ship submersible, nuclear’ – which will have a 190 MW pressurized light-water reactor and displacement of almost 10,000 tons. 

“The two SSNs will be around 95% indigenous, with foreign help only being taken for some design consultancy,” a source said. 

Initially, New Delhi was planning to build six such submarines. The other four will be cleared at a later stage, the source noted. Aside from anti-ship missiles and torpedoes to target enemy warships and submarines, the vessels will also have land-attack cruise missiles.

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Only a handful of nations currently manufacture them – notably China, France, Russia, and the US. India previously leased two nuclear-powered attack submarines, in 1998 and 2012, but returned them after the contract period was over. It has reportedly been in talks with Moscow to lease another such vessel.

In August, India commissioned its second nuclear-powered submarine, the INS Arighaat, of a larger class (SSBN), equipped with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. Such vessels are generally used for strategic deterrence, not conventional warfare. The country plans to induct a third submarine, the INS Aridhaman, early next year.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who commissioned the vessel, said the new addition will further strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance deterrence, help maintain strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a “decisive role” in upholding national security. 

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“Along with economic prosperity, we need a strong military. Our government is working in mission mode to ensure that our soldiers possess top-quality weapons and platforms made on Indian soil,” Singh stressed.

The development comes as India increases its focus on naval strength and reducing dependency on imports, by building up domestic capabilities.