Third Indian N-powered ballistic missile submarine to be inducted this year

New Delhi: Amidst growing Chinese footprint in the Indian Ocean region, the third Indian nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) is set to be inducted this year, military sources said here, noting that the first two N-powered attack submarines (SSN) will be realised a decade later.

The boost to the Indian Navy’s underwater arm also comes at a time when the Pakistan Navy is growing in strength with adequate support from China.

The Indian Navy currently operates two SSBNs – INS Arihant and INS Arighat – while the third one INS Aridhaman has been undergoing trials for close to three years. This platform, sources said, would be commissioned in 2025.

China’s PLA Navy, the world’s largest maritime force, has highly prioritised modernising its submarine force as it operates six SSBN, six SSN, and 48 diesel powered/air-independent powered attack submarines at the moment.

Despite the ongoing retirement of older hulls, the PLAN’s submarine force is expected to grow to 65 units by 2025 and 80 units by 2035 due to an expansion of submarine construction capacity.

Against a rapidly expanding Chinese submarine force, India’s first SSN would join the force by 2036 followed by the second one in 2038, sources said.

The six Kalvari (Scorpene) class submarines have been inducted in the navy and talks between India and France are at an advanced stage to construct three more boats at Mazagaon dock. None of them have the AIP technology, which will be fitted later when the submarines go for a refit.

The long-awaited second submarine manufacturing project (P75I) has just crossed a milestone with the Defence Ministry clearing the proposal from Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build six advanced submarines with AIP technology that will allow the boats to stay underwater for nearly three weeks.

Sources said the techno-commercial negotiations were unlikely to be completed this year and the first submarine from this programme can be expected in the next decade only.

Meanwhile, Pakistan plans to reinforce its naval force with 30 frontline ships with Chinese support. Islamabad is buying eight Type-39 Yuan class attack submarines with AIP technology, aiming to change the power dynamics in the Indian Ocean. The first one was launched in water in April 2024 for outfitting and trials.