INDIA’S INDIGENEOUS SUBMARINE PROGRAMS: SCIENCE& TECHNOLOGY

INDIA’S INDIGENEOUS SUBMARINE PROGRAMS: SCIENCE& TECHNOLOGY

NEWS: DRDO indigenous submarine proposal to go for CCS approval in couple of months; eight years for first sub

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is seeking Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval for Project-76, an indigenous conventional submarine development program. This initiative aims to enhance India's self-reliance in submarine technology by developing advanced diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy.

 

Project-76: Indigenous Conventional Submarine Development Program

1. Objective

  • Develop a new class of indigenous diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy
  • Achieve high indigenous content, reducing reliance on foreign components

2. Current Status and Approval Process

  • Inter-ministerial consultations are in progress
  • CCS approval is expected within two months

3. Design and Development Timeline

  • Design phase: Estimated to take 2-3 years
  • First submarine delivery: Expected in 8 years post-approval

4. Key Features

  • Displacement: Approximately 3,000 tonnes
  • Weaponry: Equipped with Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACMs) (currently under development by DRDO)
  • Advanced Systems:
  • Combat Management System
  • Sonar and electronic warfare suite
  • Mast and periscope
  • Indigenization Focus: Minimal reliance on imported components like chips and tubes
  • Continuing ATV Project Advancements: Project-76 will integrate lessons from the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, which developed the Arihant-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)

 

Project-75I: Next-Generation Diesel-Electric Submarines

1. Objective

  • A procurement initiative to acquire six advanced diesel-electric submarines with modern technologies
  • Strengthen India's underwater combat capabilities

2. Key Features

  • Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) System:
  • Enhances stealth and operational range
  • Allows submarines to stay submerged longer without surfacing for oxygen
  • Advanced combat systems and weapons integration

3. Development and Manufacturing

  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) is collaborating with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)
  • Technical evaluation cleared, and the project is moving forward

4. Project Cost

  • Originally estimated at ₹43,000 crore, but now valued at ₹70,000 crore due to technological upgrades and rising costs

 

India’s Nuclear Submarine Program

1. SSN (Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine) Program

  • Currently in the design phase, expected to take 4-5 years
  • Construction and validation: Another 5 years after the design phase

2. Advantages of SSNs (Ship Submersible Nuclear Submarines)

  • Unlimited underwater endurance:
  • Unlike diesel-electric submarines, SSNs do not need to surface for recharging batteries
  • They are powered by nuclear reactors, needing to surface only for crew supplies
  • High speed and maneuverability:
  • Can travel much faster underwater than conventional submarines
  • Function as the "fighter jets" of underwater warfare

3. India’s Experience with SSNs

  • 1987: India received its first SSN (INS Chakra) from the Soviet Navy, decommissioned in 1991
  • 2012: India leased another Russian SSN (INS Chakra 2) for 10 years, which has since been returned to Russia
  • Future Plan: Of the 12 submarines planned after Project-75 and Project-75I, six will be SSNs instead of SSKs (diesel-electric submarines)

 

Types of Nuclear Submarines

1. Ship Submersible Nuclear (SSN)

  • Armed with conventional weapons (torpedoes and cruise missiles)
  • Designed for attack and intelligence operations

2. Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN)

  • Equipped with guided missiles that carry conventional warheads
  • Used for long-range strike capabilities

3. Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN)

  • Carries ballistic missiles, which can be nuclear-armed
  • Functions as a strategic deterrence weapon in nuclear warfare
  • India currently operates Arihant-class SSBNs, developed under the ATV project

 

Significance of India’s Submarine Development Programs

1. Strengthening Maritime Security

  • Enhances India’s naval power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
  • Counterbalances China’s growing naval influence, especially in the South China Sea and IOR

2. Boosting Indigenous Defense Capabilities

  • Reduces dependence on foreign imports, ensuring self-reliance in critical defense technology
  • Aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative

3. Enhancing Strategic Deterrence

  • SSBNs strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence posture, ensuring second-strike capability
  • SSNs and advanced diesel-electric submarines provide operational flexibility in potential conflicts

4. Economic and Technological Advancements

  • Encourages indigenous defense production, benefiting local industries and technology development
  • Creates job opportunities in shipbuilding and associated sectors

 

Conclusion

  • Project-76 and Project-75I mark significant steps toward India's self-reliance in submarine technology
  • The nuclear submarine program (SSNs and SSBNs) ensures India remains a key maritime power
  • These initiatives will enhance India's deterrence, operational capability, and strategic depth in the face of evolving regional security threats
  • With increased indigenous defense production, India is set to bolster its naval strength and technological prowess in the coming decade

 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-indigenous-submarine-proposal-to-go-for-ccs-approval-in-couple-of-months-eight-years-for-first-sub/article69251317.ece