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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

On February 12th, 2014, a crucial moment in India’s defense history unfolded when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was jolted from its passive stance by the increasing presence of China’s nuclear-powered submarines in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This was the day India realized the growing threat in its own backyard, as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) deployed Shang-class (Type 093) nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) in the IOR for the first time. This deployment was a clear demonstration of China’s intent to project its naval power in the region, marking the start of a new era of maritime strategic competition between India and China.

This move by China highlighted India’s vulnerability in the IOR, spurring the Indian MoD to take decisive action. The Chinese SSN presence effectively underscored the strategic imbalance in the region and prompted India to expedite the development of its own nuclear-powered attack submarines.

By February 2015, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a landmark decision through the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), approving the construction of six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) under what is now referred to as Project 77, previously known as Project 75 Alpha. This was the first concrete step towards India developing its indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarine capability to counter Chinese influence in the IOR.

In 2015, the Indian Navy received the initial funding to commence design work on the new SSN class. The project’s significance grew with each passing year, as the Indian Navy recognized the strategic importance of having nuclear-powered attack submarines to safeguard its maritime interests. These submarines would not only bolster India’s defense posture in the IOR but also enable the Indian Navy to undertake long-range patrols, maintain a constant underwater presence, and secure key sea lanes.

By early 2024, the submarine design had been thoroughly reviewed by the Navy Headquarters and subsequently presented to the CCS for approval. The design was deemed ready for production, and the CCS granted approval for the construction of two SSNs at a cost of ?20,000 crores (approximately $2.4 billion USD), a substantial increase compared to the ?16,000 crores ($1.92 billion USD) spent on developing the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

Project 77’s goal is to construct a total of six SSNs, but the program has been structured in three distinct phases to ensure that technological advancements and operational feedback are incorporated into the later submarines.

The first batch of two SSNs will serve as the foundation for subsequent submarines. These initial submarines, expected to take longer to manufacture due to the complexity of nuclear submarine construction, will lay the groundwork for the program. Once these submarines are shifted to the outer fitment area from the dry docks, the Navy will seek CCS approval for the second batch.

This phased approach will allow engineers and the Navy to integrate improvements and resolve issues of technological obsolescence in future submarines. The second and third batches will incorporate lessons learned from the previous submarines, ensuring that each iteration represents a technological leap forward. This approach is intended to reduce construction time for subsequent submarines while incorporating cutting-edge enhancements.

In summary, what began in February 2014 as a wake-up call from China’s deployment of SSNs in the IOR has now culminated in a comprehensive program to establish India as a formidable naval power with its own fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines. Project 77 will be a game-changer for India’s maritime strategy, ensuring long-term security in the IOR and beyond.

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