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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The INS Chakra II, a Russian-made Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine that was leased to India for a period of ten years, has become the subject of speculation after its return to Russia in June 2021. Recent satellite imagery has revealed the submarine alongside Russia’s Oscar II-class submarine, the K-442 Chelyabinsk, at the naval base in Bolshoy Kamen, a town located in Russia’s Primorsky Krai. The sighting has raised questions about the future of the vessel, which was returned after a decade of service with the Indian Navy.

INS Chakra II, originally named K-322 Nerpa by the Russian Navy, was leased to India under a 10-year agreement that commenced in 2012. This Akula-class submarine, with its advanced stealth, speed, and firepower, was a valuable asset for the Indian Navy, adding significant operational capability to India’s underwater fleet. The lease agreement was part of India’s strategic relationship with Russia, aimed at enhancing the Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine capabilities.

Over the course of its lease, INS Chakra II participated in numerous training exercises and played a crucial role in advancing India’s experience with nuclear submarines. Despite some minor incidents, including a fire onboard during its early months with India, the submarine proved effective in its operational role. By the time the lease expired in 2021, India had gained invaluable operational experience, laying the groundwork for its own indigenous nuclear-powered submarines.

When the lease agreement concluded in June 2021, INS Chakra II was returned to Russia. Since then, the submarine’s future has remained unclear. The satellite images showing the submarine docked alongside the Russian Oscar II-class K-442 Chelyabinsk at the Bolshoy Kamen shipyard have fueled speculation about its fate. The location is significant, as it is a primary naval base for Russia’s submarine fleet, where various vessels undergo maintenance, repairs, and potential scrapping.

There are two main possibilities regarding the future of INS Chakra II. One theory is that the submarine might undergo repairs or upgrades at the Bolshoy Kamen shipyard. There have been reports suggesting that the vessel suffered some damage during its time with the Indian Navy, which could have necessitated repairs before it can be re-entered into service. However, the exact nature and extent of these damages remain unconfirmed.

Another possibility is that Russia might decide to scrap the submarine, as it no longer serves a strategic purpose for the Russian Navy. The Akula-class submarine, while highly capable, is relatively old compared to more modern nuclear-powered submarines in Russia’s fleet. Given the Russian Navy’s focus on newer, more advanced submarines, the decision to retire the Nerpa and scrap it could be a viable option.

The K-442 Chelyabinsk, seen in the satellite imagery alongside INS Chakra II, adds an interesting layer to the situation. The Chelyabinsk is an Oscar II-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine, one of the largest of its kind. The presence of both submarines at the same shipyard could suggest that the Russian Navy is either considering repairs or upgrades to both vessels, or it could simply be a coincidence of their respective maintenance schedules.

It’s worth noting that the Oscar II-class submarine, like the Akula-class, is nearing the end of its operational life, with many of Russia’s Oscar II-class vessels either retired or slated for decommissioning. This raises the possibility that both the Chelyabinsk and the Nerpa might be in the process of being retired or scrapped, though official statements from the Russian Navy are yet to confirm any such plans.

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