SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

With the successful launch of the S4 (Star) SSBN*, India’s strategic focus is now shifting towards the development of the S5-class SSBNs, a significantly larger and more advanced nuclear-powered submarine. This next-generation class will nearly double the submerged displacement of the current SSBN fleet, marking a major leap in India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The S5 SSBN, at an estimated submerged displacement of 13,000 tons, will be twice as large as its predecessors in the Arihant-class and S4-class series, which are crucial elements of India’s nuclear triad. These new submarines will feature advanced nuclear propulsion systems, enhanced stealth capabilities, and a larger payload of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), further solidifying India’s second-strike capability.
While the Indian Navy initially expressed interest in acquiring six S5-class SSBNs, the final number is likely to be four, built in pairs over two phases. This phased construction approach allows India to gradually scale up its strategic nuclear submarine fleet while managing the extensive costs and complex logistics involved.
The design for the S5 SSBN has already been completed, and estimates suggest that each submarine will cost around ?20,000 crores (approximately $2.4 billion). Due to the strategic significance and the sheer scale of the project, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will oversee the program, requiring special clearance and dedicated funding from the highest levels of the Indian government.
The involvement of the PMO signals the importance of the S5 SSBN program to India’s broader defence strategy, particularly in light of growing maritime and geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The S5 program will also benefit from the close monitoring of national resources, ensuring that it meets timelines and budgetary constraints.
One of the critical steps in advancing the S5 SSBN program is upgrading the infrastructure required to build these massive submarines. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), where these submarines will be constructed, is undergoing major upgrades, particularly to its dry docks. These modifications are necessary to accommodate the construction and assembly of such large nuclear-powered submarines.
Additionally, India’s Project-77, which involves the construction of two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), is also progressing in parallel. Both the SSN and S5 SSBN programs will share several key technologies, notably the 190 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR), which will power both classes of submarines. This reactor design represents a significant upgrade from the smaller reactors used in the earlier Arihant-class SSBNs.
Another technological advancement that both the SSN and S5 SSBN programs will share is the pump-jet propulsion system, a quieter and more efficient form of propulsion that reduces the acoustic signature of submarines, enhancing their stealth capabilities. This commonality will streamline production and reduce costs, while also ensuring that India’s underwater fleet is equipped with the latest advancements in submarine technology.
The integration of the 190 MW PWR and pump-jet propulsion marks India’s move towards greater technological sophistication in its submarine fleet, allowing it to field submarines that are not only more powerful but also harder to detect, giving the Indian Navy a significant strategic advantage.
The development of the S5 SSBN represents a critical element in India’s nuclear triad, which ensures that the country has credible second-strike capability through land, air, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems. The S5-class submarines, with their larger size and extended range, will enhance India’s deterrence posture, particularly in light of increasing competition and potential threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s nuclear deterrent relies on the sea-based leg of the triad, as it provides survivability and the ability to launch retaliatory strikes from secure underwater positions. The S5 SSBNs, with their advanced capabilities, will ensure that India maintains a secure and reliable second-strike capability for decades to come.
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