SOURCE: AFI
In a recent interview with Gaurav Arya, veteran naval officer Rear Admiral K Raja Menon (Retd.) emphasized the critical need for the Indian Navy to expand its nuclear attack submarine fleet. Menon argued that by 2047, India will require a total of 16 nuclear attack submarines capable of operating long-range attack cruise missiles.
Menon highlighted the strategic significance of nuclear attack submarines, particularly in the context of the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, especially the South China Sea. He emphasized that at least four nuclear attack submarines would be necessary to effectively operate in the South China Sea, while the remaining submarines could be deployed in other regions of the Indian Ocean.
The Indian Navy has ambitious plans to expand its nuclear attack submarine fleet. The first of these submarines is expected to join service by 2033-34. However, Menon advocated for accelerating these plans to meet the growing security challenges faced by India.
Rear Admiral K Raja Menon’s call for a significant expansion of the Indian Navy’s nuclear attack submarine fleet underscores the importance of this strategic asset in ensuring India’s maritime security and power projection capabilities. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, India will need a strong and modern submarine fleet to safeguard its interests and maintain its position as a leading naval power in the region.