SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step towards bolstering India’s underwater defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has given the green light for the construction of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). The move marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
The plan is to initially build two 6,000-tonne SSNs at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) Visakhapatnam. Each submarine is estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore. These SSNs will play a crucial role in deterring potential adversaries, particularly China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
One of the key highlights of this project is its emphasis on indigenous development. Sources indicate that the SSNs will be more than 90% indigenously built, showcasing India’s technological prowess in submarine design and construction.
These SSNs will have a wide range of capabilities, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. They will complement India’s existing fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), which are designed for strategic deterrence.
The decision to build SSNs is a strategic move that underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime security. As China’s naval power continues to expand, India is taking proactive steps to safeguard its interests in the region. The SSNs will provide India with a significant advantage in underwater operations, enabling it to monitor and respond to threats effectively.