India's nuclear sub-marine programme is one the most difficult weapons development programs in the entire world. The program involves designing and building nuclear-powered, ballistic-missile submarines, fitting them up with missiles, as well installing submarine control systems.
Indian Navy plans to build six 6,000-ton nuclear powered attack submarines (SSNs), that will cost 960 Billion Rupees and take at most a decade. Despite the fact that the Navy Chief lobbied to approve the project at a meeting in March 2020 of Combined Commanders, senior bureaucrats have questioned whether such expensive vessels are necessary.
The SSBN (strategic ballistic missile submarine) can carry eight submarine-launched, cruise missiles. It also has the ability to launch deep-water bombers and mines via an automated command information network.
Military experts predict that the SSBNs would be used to repel Chinese aggression in both the Indian Ocean & the Pacific. This crucial role comes as Beijing has established a strong naval force to stop the Indian Navy reacting to any Chinese attack.
The SSBNs are also capable of providing a nuclear defense against any Chinese or foreign adversary that may threaten India. The SSBNs can carry a large number nuclear weapons and can launch cruise missile strikes from submarines. They are the backbone of India’s nuclear weapons arsenal.
Additionally, the SSBNs could also be used to deliver nuclear weapons against other countries. They can carry numerous nuclear bombs and other munition that can be used on the ground and in the air to destroy any target.
The SSBNs also aim to improve the survival of India's existing missile forces. They are limited in their mobility and range. The SSBNs are equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles, which can travel up to 60 mph.
SSBNs are currently being built at a Secret Naval Base in Visakhapatnam as part of the Southern Naval Command. They are currently being fitted-out and subject to sea trials before being commissioned.
Arihant: First Homemade Submarine Armament
Arihant (the first Indian-made nuclear submarine) was launched on the 26th of July 2009, which is the anniversary of Vijay Diwas, or the Kargil War Victory Day. It was launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur. While the vessel was being floated at the naval base's dry dock, Gursharan Kaur cracked a coconut.
Arighat: INS Arighat, the second boat of the four-boat Arihant Class, was launched in October 2015. The DRDO conducted a series of fit-outs and tests to launch the boat. Larsen & Toubro assisted with the fitting.
This first float is a milestone in SSBN's program. It paves way for India's third part of its nuclear "triad". The next two boats will be based on the Arihant design and are expected to be launched in the future.
France offers to supply India its overhauled Barracuda class submarine. It will be equipped with pump-jet propulsion, a 190 MW pressurized-water reactor and an engine. The deal is expected to boost India's Make in India’ program as well as provide significant nuclear defense capability enhancements.