SOURCE: AFI
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s leading engineering and construction conglomerate, has secured a pivotal role in the development of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. Following clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the project, estimated to cost around Rs 45,000 crore, is set to mark a significant step forward in India’s naval capabilities and indigenous defense production.
L&T, which has previously demonstrated its expertise in fabricating the hull for India’s Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), will leverage its experience to play a crucial role in the Next-Generation Nuclear Attack Submarine (SSN) program. With its proven track record in complex naval projects, L&T is the only private-sector company in India that possesses the required expertise to fabricate the hull for nuclear-powered submarines, a critical component for the success of this ambitious endeavor.
The Next-Generation SSN project, part of India’s long-term naval modernization strategy, aims to strengthen the country’s underwater warfare capabilities. Unlike SSBNs, which are primarily designed for nuclear deterrence and carry ballistic missiles, SSNs are built for offensive operations, including hunting enemy submarines and surface ships, conducting surveillance, and supporting carrier strike groups.
Under this program, L&T will work closely with the Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to construct the hulls for the two SSNs. Based on the designs provided by the Navy and DRDO, L&T’s submarine design center has undertaken detailed engineering, utilizing cutting-edge 3D modeling and product data management software. This technology enables the precise simulation of the submarine’s structure and systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency during the fabrication process.
L&T’s involvement will go beyond hull fabrication, as the company will also assist in the integration of systems and technologies necessary for the construction of nuclear-powered submarines. Given the complexities of nuclear propulsion systems and the need for stealth, precision, and durability in submarine operations, L&T’s technical expertise and experience will be key to ensuring the success of this high-stakes defense project.
The experience gained from fabricating the Arihant-class hulls will be invaluable as L&T embarks on the more advanced SSN project. Unlike SSBNs, which are focused on stealthy, long-endurance nuclear deterrence missions, SSNs are designed for high-speed maneuverability, extended deployments, and offensive operations in the open sea. The development of SSNs will significantly enhance India’s ability to project power in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, especially in the face of increasing maritime competition.
The Next-Generation SSN program is not only a critical asset for India’s defense strategy but also a major boost to the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem. The involvement of L&T in this project aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and strengthen domestic defense production capabilities.
The SSNs will provide India with a strategic advantage, enabling the Navy to carry out offensive operations and protect its maritime interests. These submarines, with their advanced stealth and strike capabilities, will serve as a deterrent against potential adversaries, ensuring that India maintains a robust underwater presence in critical areas of interest.