SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s acquisition of the Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, INS Chakra III, has faced significant delays, with the vessel now expected to join the fleet by 2028. Originally slated for delivery in 2025, the project has been pushed back due to complications arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions imposed on Russia.
In 2019, India and Russia signed a $3 billion deal for the lease of an Akula-1 class submarine, which would be named INS Chakra III. The lease, similar to previous agreements between the two countries, was intended to enhance the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities by providing it with advanced nuclear attack submarine (SSN) technology for a decade.
The Akula-class submarines are among the most capable nuclear-powered attack submarines in the world, known for their stealth, speed, and ability to operate at great depths. For India, the lease of INS Chakra III is crucial to maintaining a credible underwater deterrence and augmenting its submarine fleet, particularly as it faces growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
While the initial delivery was expected by 2025, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has created several challenges that have affected the timeline. Western sanctions on Russia have also hindered the availability of critical components and technologies required to refurbish and modernize the submarine for Indian use. As a result, the transfer of INS Chakra III to the Indian Navy has been delayed, with new estimates suggesting that the vessel may not arrive until late 2027 or 2028.
The delay has impacted India’s naval capabilities, as the submarine was expected to fill the gap left by the return of INS Chakra II, the previous Akula-class submarine leased from Russia, which was returned in 2021 after the completion of its 10-year lease.
India’s lease of the Akula-class submarines dates back to the lease of INS Chakra II in 2012, which served the Indian Navy for a decade. INS Chakra II played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s ability to operate nuclear-powered submarines and allowed the Indian Navy to gain critical experience in operating and maintaining such vessels. However, after the lease expired, the submarine was returned to Russia in 2021, creating a gap in India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
Before its transfer to India, INS Chakra III will undergo extensive refurbishment and modernization. One of the key upgrades is the integration of Indian communication and sensor systems, which will make the submarine compatible with the Indian Navy’s operational requirements. This customization will ensure that the submarine is fully equipped to operate in the Indian Ocean Region and be integrated into India’s existing naval command and control structure.