![]() An SSN can “keep up” with the SSBNs during that vulnerable phase, and is better suited to dueling with hostile submarines. One classic SSN mission is escorting SSBNs deploying to station, as opposing submarines often attempt to trail behind them while leaving port. However, an Indian SSN fleet would remain uniquely qualified for several offensive and defensive missions. Realistically, many of the Indian Navy’s submarine needs in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal can be fulfilled by shorter-range AIP- or lithium-ion battery-powered submarines built at a fraction of the price. Thus, the level of acoustic stealth India achieves with its SSN will determine how well they match qualitatively with China’s current submarine fleet. ![]() That makes them easier to detect and destroy, and harder for their crew to detect other submarines with their hydrophones. ![]() While an SSN’s ability to remain underwater indefinitely is intrinsically stealthy, some nuclear submarines-like Chinese and early Soviet designs-are notably noisier than the Akula or the U.S. Reportedly, there has been some debate over whether to use the 83-megawatt compact light water reactor developed for the Arihant, as some officers argue that the speed and acceleration needed for an SSN requires a more powerful 190 MW reactor like that used on the Akula-class. However, the greatest technical challenge may stem from the submarine’s reactor. Indeed, India has reportedly been researching higher-strength hull materials that will allow its future SSNs to dive deeper and travel at higher speeds. Here, nuclear propulsion can enable much higher sustained underwater speeds of 20 to 30 knots. For that role, agility is essential for intercepting vulnerable enemy ships, out-maneuvering underwater foes, and diving deep to evade anti-submarine forces. That allows an SSBN to creep slowly underwater with maximum stealth on patrols that may last two or three months, ready at any moment to respond to orders transmitted by high-frequency radio to unleash a barrage of nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.Īn attack submarine, however, is principally designed for hunting down ships and other submarines. Nuclear propulsion allows submarines to remain underwater essentially indefinitely and traverse long distances without having to expose themselves by surfacing or snorkeling to sip air needed to recharge their batteries. These will be followed by a new, larger class of four SSBNs dubbed the S5. Three progressively improved submarines based on the Arihant are in the pipeline, with one-the Arighat-due for commissioning this year. Russian assistance also played a major role in India’s development of an indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the Arihant, giving India an underwater sea-based nuclear deterrence capability. Both projects have been on the Navy’s slate for decades, but progress has been slow. New Delhi’s decision to focus on submarines concludes a year-long debate between senior leaders of the Indian Navy and Chief of Defense Staff Bipin Rawat. Long-running tensions between China and India meanwhile have mounted, culminating in June 2020 in a deadly clash on the Himalayan border in which dozens of soldiers were killed. In the last two decades, the PLA Navy has secured access to bases in the Indian Ocean to the west and east of India, and periodically dispatches warships and submarines to patrol those waters. The SSN program, estimated optimistically to cost $12 billion ($2 billion per submarine), could affect the balance of power in the Indian Ocean as India seeks to offset the growing presence and capability of China’s rapidly expanding navy. The initial order of three submarines could begin entering service in 2032. In March 2021, the Times of India reported that the Indian Navy had announced its intent to prioritize the development and construction of a force of six nuclear-powered attack submarines, or SSNs, ahead of building a third, larger aircraft carrier. ![]()
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