SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development for India’s naval capabilities, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, renowned for its precision and lethality, is set to be integrated with the Indian Navy’s upcoming Project 75-India (P-75I) submarines through a Vertical Launch System (VLS).
Dr. Sudhir Mishra, former CEO and Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace, revealed that discussions with key stakeholders of the P-75I program have confirmed plans to equip these next-generation submarines with at least eight VLS modules, enabling them to carry BrahMos-Extended Range (ER) missiles with a strike range of 800 kilometers. This advancement will position the P-75I submarines as formidable platforms for long-range attacks against both land-based and sea-based targets, significantly enhancing India’s maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The P-75I program, aimed at building six advanced conventional submarines under India’s “Make in India” initiative, has seen significant progress with the selection of Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred bidder. The chosen design, the U-214NG, is a hybrid derivative combining elements of the U-212D and the advanced systems of the U-212A. While the U-214NG does not natively feature a VLS, Dr. Mishra’s statement indicates that modifications are under consideration to incorporate this capability, aligning with the Indian Navy’s requirement for enhanced offensive firepower.
The integration of a VLS capable of launching eight BrahMos-ER missiles will mark a paradigm shift for the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet. The BrahMos-ER, an extended-range variant of the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile, boasts a range of 800 kilometers, nearly double that of the standard BrahMos (450 km). With a speed of Mach 2.8 and advanced guidance systems, including satellite navigation and an active radar seeker, the BrahMos-ER enables precision strikes against high-value targets such as enemy warships, coastal installations, and strategic land-based assets. The VLS configuration will allow P-75I submarines to launch these missiles while submerged, offering a stealthy and versatile strike capability from significant standoff distances.
Dr. Mishra emphasized that negotiations with TKMS and other stakeholders have addressed the integration of the VLS, though specifics regarding its implementation remain under discussion. Germany has also agreed to develop a more powerful Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements for extended underwater endurance, a critical feature for operations in the IOR. However, it remains unclear whether the VLS integration will necessitate further design modifications to the U-214NG’s hull or whether it will leverage existing modular design features of the U-212 series.
In parallel, the Indian Navy is upgrading its existing submarine fleet to enhance its offensive capabilities. Dr. Mishra noted that older submarines, including the Kalvari-class (Scorpène) and Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) submarines, will be equipped with the BrahMos-Next Generation (NG) missile. Unlike the BrahMos-ER, which requires a VLS due to its size, the BrahMos-NG is a lighter, compact variant designed to be launched from standard 533mm torpedo tubes. With a weight of approximately 1.5 tons (half that of the BrahMos-ER) and a range of 290–450 kilometers, the BrahMos-NG retains the supersonic speed and precision of its predecessor while offering compatibility with a wider range of platforms, including submarines, fighter jets, and smaller surface vessels.
The integration of BrahMos-NG into the Kalvari and Kilo-class submarines will significantly enhance their anti-ship and land-attack capabilities without requiring extensive structural modifications. This approach ensures that the Navy’s legacy fleet remains operationally relevant while the P-75I submarines introduce cutting-edge capabilities with the VLS-equipped BrahMos-ER.
The incorporation of VLS and BrahMos-ER into the P-75I submarines underscores India’s strategic focus on building a robust maritime deterrence posture amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The 800-kilometer range of the BrahMos-ER will allow P-75I submarines to engage targets deep into enemy territory or across vast maritime expanses, countering the increasing presence of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the IOR. The stealth and survivability of submarines, combined with the BrahMos missile’s speed and precision, create a potent combination for both offensive operations and deterrence.
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