India and Russia Sign deal on Akula Class Nuclear Submarine

India and Russia signed an Inter-governmental agreement for leasing of Akula class nuclear-powered submarine Chakra III.
The $3-billion deal requires Russia to lease Chakra III to India for at least 10 years starting 2025.

Chakra III: Akula Class Nuclear-powered submarine

Features

Chakra III is an Akula-II class advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine. (SSN)
- Chakra I and Chakra II were inducted into Indian Navy in 1988 and 2012 respectively.
It has an advanced weapon launching system capable of firing tube-launched cruise missiles.
The communication systems, onboard electronics and tactical Sonars to be fitted in Chakra III will be indigenously built.

A brief intro : Nuclear-powered submarines

Nuclear submarines can be classified in to 2 categories namely SSN and SSBN
SSN: (Submersible Ship Nuclear)
- SSNs are attack submarines
- They are propelled by nuclear power.
- They are capable of launching conventional weapons like torpedoes and cruise missiles
SSBN: (Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear)
- SSBNs are also propelled by nuclear power.
- They are usually equipped with nuclear weapons like ballistic missiles.
- Therefore, they are usually used as deterrents and not as attack submarines.

Nuclear-powered submarine fleet of India

SSN fleet

Chakra I
- The first nuclear-powered submarine to be inducted to Indian Navy was Chakra I.
Chakra II
- It is the second nuclear submarine to be inducted into Indian Navy.
- It was inducted in 2012 for a 10-year lease period, which is now being extended to another 5 years till 2027.
- It is an advanced version of Chakra I, capable of operating at higher speed and greater depth, and has a more advanced weapon system.
- Chakra II is deployed with the Eastern Naval Command.

Project 75-I
- India also plans to develop 6 nuclear powered submarines SSNs as a part of Project 75 I.
- Project 75 I is an indigenous submarine building plan under which 24 submarines, 6 nuclear-powered and 18 conventional Scorpene class submarines will be built by 2030.

Significance of SSN

Since India has 2 operational theatres - one in west and other in east -, we require higher force levels if we are to use conventional submarines.
SSNs can cover twice the area of influence of a conventional submarine.
This is because of higher operational time due to on-board nuclear reactors.
It is more mobile, has higher reach than conventional submarine.
They are capable of launching cruise missiles up to 200 km.
Thus, SSN fleet is significant in reducing the force levels required for Indian Navy.
SSNs can blockade important sea routes for enemy ships.
They can successfully defend Carrier Strike Groupswith its ability to stay deep in the water for long period and being capable of launching attacks.

SSBN fleet

Arihant

Under the Advanced Technology Vehicle programme, India has indigenously-built Arihant, SSBN.
INS Arihant is India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
It was inducted in 2016 marking the Nuclear Triad capability of India.
INS Arihant is capable of launching K-15 Missile with a range of 750 km and K-4 ICBM with a range of 3,500 km.
Being capable of launching nuclear weapons, Arihant provides a truly deterrent second strike capability in accordance with India’s nuclear doctrine of 'No First Use'.