SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s ageing Kilo-class submarine fleet, once the backbone of its underwater force, has now dwindled to seven from its original strength of ten submarines. The fleet, officially designated as the Sindhughosh class, has been a critical part of India’s naval capabilities for over three decades. However, with advancements in submarine technology and the increasing challenges posed by modern naval warfare, the Indian Navy is now preparing for the gradual phase-out of these vessels.
The reduction in the Kilo-class fleet began with the retirement of INS Sindhudhvaj in July 2022, a submarine that had served the Navy since 1987. Another significant loss was the tragic sinking of INS Sindhurakshak in 2013, which was caused by an onboard explosion that claimed the lives of 18 sailors. Further, the INS Sindhuvir was transferred to Myanmar in 2020 as part of defence cooperation between the two nations, reducing the fleet size.
Currently, the Indian Navy plans to retire two more Kilo-class submarines within the next five years. By the end of this period, the fleet will consist of only five submarines, which will remain operational for another 7-10 years before their eventual retirement. This gradual phase-out signals the end of an era for the Kilo-class submarines, which have been an integral part of India’s maritime defence strategy.
Several Kilo-class submarines have undergone extensive refits to extend their operational life. These overhauls were conducted either in Russia, where these submarines were originally built or in India’s shipyards. The refit process, which involves upgrading key systems such as sonar, propulsion, and weaponry, has extended the life of some submarines by up to 10 years.
A Navy official speaking to idrw.org noted that while these upgrades have helped keep the submarines operational, they are still subject to the limitations of their ageing hulls and designs. The lead submarine, INS Sindhughosh, was commissioned in 1986, making it one of the oldest submarines in the fleet. The youngest, INS Sindhushastra, commissioned on July 19, 2000, still has an estimated 10 years of hull life remaining.
India has already embarked on an ambitious plan to modernize its submarine fleet with the introduction of the Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75, with six submarines being constructed in collaboration with France. Additional three are also being planned, there are plans for future submarines under Project 75I, which aims to bring in more advanced, Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) capable submarines.
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