Indian nuclear submarines

[Pintu]

Top secret 11 yrs in making, submarine faces crucial tests ahead

Top secret 11 yrs in making, submarine faces crucial tests ahead


Manu Pubby

Tags : INS Arihant, Ship Building Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, submarine

Posted: Monday , Jul 27, 2009 at 0528 hrs
Visakhapatnam:

Over the next two years, a series of tests, including the crucial activation of the nuclear reactor and firing of missiles, will be carried out on the INS Arihant to make it fully functional and ready for induction into the Indian Navy.

It took the Ship Building Centre (SBC) almost 11 years to construct the country’s first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine. Sanctioned using secret funds in the late seventies by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after India conducted its first nuclear test, the design and technology of INS Arihant was locked in 1984 when the formal go-ahead was given. Work on the submarine started in 1998.

The submarine has been moved a short distance away from the dry dock to a covered test area called “Site Bravo”. While most systems, including the power plant, missile launchers and torpedo tubes, have already been fitted on board, a few others will now be put on the submarine. This helps save time as the dry dock will now be available for the construction of the second and third nuclear submarines of the same class. Sources said the hulls of the second and third submarines have already been completed and the two warships will be assembled at Vizag over the next few years.

“We have put a lot of systems online. Now, all the other systems will also be put online,” said Vice Admiral D S P Verma (retd), project director of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), the codename for the nuclear submarine project.

Over the next few months, engineers working on the submarine will test all its systems, including the engine, communications and sensors on secondary power — or power from a land-based source.

After all the systems have been validated, the most crucial part of the induction process will commence — the firing of the nuclear reactor. The miniaturised reactor, which will generate 80 MW of power, has been developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with the help of a Russian design team.

The actual starting of the reactor to power the submarine will be something that would keep a lot of fingers crossed at the SBC. As soon as the reactor is fired up, all systems will be tested on primary power, or actual in-borne power of the submarine.

“We have put in the reactor, that is like the heart, and water and oil, that is like the blood of the submarine. Now, we have to get the fluids running and the heart ticking,” said Vice Admiral Verma.

Once the reactor is stable, the submarine will be taken out in the Vizag harbour for a round of trials. The first of these will involve gentle cruises around the harbour for a few days to validate the controls and stability of the platform.

Subsequently, the Arihant will be moved out to sea for a series of high-speed runs, submerged tests and underwater trials. Incidentally, the crew of the submarine will not be changed over the next two years as it is made ready for induction.

The final phase of the two-year testing process would be the actual firing of the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) from the platform. While there is no official word on it, the Arihant is expected to carry 12 K 15 short range nuclear tipped ballistic missiles.

Sources said that the firing of the missiles, while the vessel is submerged, would be the final stage of the testing process. The K 15 missiles, with a range of over 700 km, would be the lethal punch.

A successful firing would make the submarine ready for induction into the Navy. Once inducted, it will take a few years — experts say close to five years — before the Navy is fully adept at handling the vessel and comfortable in deploying it beyond Indian waters.

Meanwhile, sources said they have also got the nod for the construction of a second class of nuclear attack submarine that will basically be predator vessels designed to target other nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.

 

[Adux]

but than russians helped us with various things, and ATV project faced lot of problems. So Russian influence would be there with design and construction of submarine. India has never designed a submarine before, not even conventional.

considering we have uranium shortage, would be interesting to see how India would manage to supply enriched uranium for Arihant and future nuclear submairnes.

may be its time to start indigenous diesel-electric submarine class too. L&T would have got enough experience by now.

So you think Russians are not innovative enough to come with a new design? Why should they always fall back on an old design. When I say it is none of those designs, I didnt say it wasnt a Russian design or was a Indian design. And if it is a copy, why waste 11 years on it! Just built the damn thing. India needs nearly 50 Subs, of which more than 30 should be nuclear.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

The Hindu : National : “A technology demonstrator”

“A technology demonstrator”

T.S. Subramanian

CHENNAI: Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar said on Sunday that the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), by building the miniaturised reactor that propelled the country’s nuclear-powered submarine, had demonstrated “that we have our indigenous Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology.” He called the launching of INS Arihant “an important milestone” in the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme. “This PWR technology is very complex. We have been able to compact this reactor and pack it in the cramped space” of the hull of the submarine, Dr. Kakodkar told The Hindu from Visakhapatnam where the submarine was launched.

The shore-based PWR has been working at Kalpakkam, 60 km from Chennai, for the past three years, he said.

India has been a world leader in building Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) that use natural uranium as fuel, and heavy water as moderator and coolant. But this is the first time that India has built a PWR that used enriched uranium as fuel, and light water as both coolant and moderator.

Dr. Kakodkar said the BARC mastering the PWR technology was significant now, because the Light Water Reactors that India would be importing (from Russia, France, and the U.S.) were PWRs that used enriched uranium as fuel, and light water as both coolant and moderator.

To a question, the AEC Chairman said, “Yes, we miniaturised the reactor [on our own]. The basic complexity is that you have to make it into a compact power system to fit into a submarine.”

Srikumar Banerjee, BARC Director, also stressed that “the event marks the beginning of PWR technology in India.” The BARC made many design features to make this reactor compact. “There are novelties not only in the reactor’s design but in its manufacturing,” he said. For instance, the steam generator which drove the turbine to generate electricity, was compacted in a novel manner. The heart of the reactor is the steam generator.

Dr. Banerjee said: “A boat of this type is a major technology in itself. Its steam generator is yet another technology. The whole platform is a very complex combination of various technologies. That is why we are happy it has reached fruition.

“We have so far developed reactors built on the shore [on firm ground]. But a submarine is a moving platform. It is rolling and pitching, and undergoes other kinds of motion. Against these, we have designed and developed this compact reactor. This is a major achievement.”

Asked whether the Russians helped the BARC in miniaturising the reactor, Dr. Banerjee said, “No, no. They were consultants…Consultancy was done for the whole submarine, not for the power part alone.”

He denied that there was an inordinate delay in the programme. The ATV was conceptualised only in 1984. “This is a completely new technology. It takes time to develop.”
“Great event for nation”

A. Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Controller, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said: “Launching the Arihant is a great event for the nation because we are in the select club of countries having a nuclear-powered submarine.”

Only Russia, France, the U.S., the U.K., and China have nuclear-powered submarines.

 

[Pintu]

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

India to build two more nuclear submarines

NEW DELHI: India has approved the construction of two more nuclear submarines costing Rs 30 billion, as it launched its first nuclear submarine, the INS Arihant, on Sunday in the south Indian port city of Visakhapatnam. Defence Ministry sources said the construction of the hull for the next submarine was underway at a facility in the Hazira port near Surat, in the Gujarat state. When completed, two of the three submarines would be ready for deep-sea deployment, while the third would remain on base as back-up, the sources added. The government had also given clearance for the building of Vanguard-class nuclear ballistic submarines, or Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN), each worth around Rs 100 billion. This would begin once the three Arihant-class submarines were ready. The SSBNs are nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles and carrying nuclear weapons for a second strike. The Indian navy had also proposed the building of fast-attack nuclear submarines to escort the SSBNs. iftikhar gilani

 

[ajay_ijn]

So you think Russians are not innovative enough to come with a new design? Why should they always fall back on an old design. When I say it is none of those designs, I didnt say it wasnt a Russian design or was a Indian design. And if it is a copy, why waste 11 years on it! Just built the damn thing. India needs nearly 50 Subs, of which more than 30 should be nuclear.

part of the problem is lack of funds in Russia to research or develop new designs. After Soviet collapse, Russia didn't have funds even to dismantle or dispose the older submarines safely. Construction of new submarines was delayed due to lack of funds. Because Russia cannot export nuclear submarines like other warships, design firms have to depend only on Russian Navy. Infact after soviet collapse, even ATV project suffered delays for some years. Even the Submarines during soviet-era are good enough to face chinese counterparts.

 

[Tamil]

Launch of INS Arihant a 'destabilising step': Pak

Pakistan on Monday (July 27) termed the induction of an indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine by India as a "destabilising step" and said it was capable of defending itself in the face of all such regional challenges. "The government of Pakistan is fully aware of this issue and is prepared to counter it at all levels. Pakistan's defence is fully prepared to face this challenge," Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar told reporters in response to a question about India's launch of 'INS Arihant'.

"We don't want any wars but we know how to defend ourselves," he said adding, Pakistan is capable of defending itself against all such challenges. A Pakistan Navy spokesman told reporters that India's launch of a nuclear submarine was "a destabilising step which would jeopardise the security paradigm of the entire Indian Ocean region".

The Indian nuclear submarine will have far-reaching effects not only for Pakistan but the Indian Ocean region and adjoining coastal countries, he said. The move could also trigger a nuclear arms race in the region, he said. The government will have to decide about Pakistan making its own nuclear submarine though the Navy is fully prepared to implement any decision taken by the government, the spokesman said.

India yesterday (July 26) launched its first indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine. Built with Russian cooperation, the submarine can carry the Sagarika missile capable of hitting targets at a range of 700 km. The vessel will form the crucial third leg of India's triad of land, air and sea platforms capable of delivering nuclear weapons. India already has warplanes and missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Speaking at the launch of the submarine, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India did not have "any aggressive designs" and only wanted "an external environment in our region and beyond that is conducive to our peaceful development and the protection of our value systems". Defence Minister A K Antony said the nuclear submarine was crucial for a credible second strike capability in view of India's voluntary "no first use" nuclear weapon policy.

Launch of INS Arihant a 'destabilising step': Pak- TIMESNOW.tv - Latest Breaking News, Big News Stories, News Videos

 

[prahladh]

Pakistan on Monday (July 27) termed the induction of an indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine by India as a "destabilising step" and said it was capable of defending itself in the face of all such regional challenges. "The government of Pakistan is fully aware of this issue and is prepared to counter it at all levels. Pakistan's defence is fully prepared to face this challenge," Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar told reporters in response to a question about India's launch of 'INS Arihant'.

"We don't want any wars but we know how to defend ourselves," he said adding, Pakistan is capable of defending itself against all such challenges. A Pakistan Navy spokesman told reporters that India's launch of a nuclear submarine was "a destabilising step which would jeopardise the security paradigm of the entire Indian Ocean region".

The Indian nuclear submarine will have far-reaching effects not only for Pakistan but the Indian Ocean region and adjoining coastal countries, he said. The move could also trigger a nuclear arms race in the region, he said. The government will have to decide about Pakistan making its own nuclear submarine though the Navy is fully prepared to implement any decision taken by the government, the spokesman said.

India yesterday (July 26) launched its first indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine. Built with Russian cooperation, the submarine can carry the Sagarika missile capable of hitting targets at a range of 700 km. The vessel will form the crucial third leg of India's triad of land, air and sea platforms capable of delivering nuclear weapons. India already has warplanes and missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Speaking at the launch of the submarine, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India did not have "any aggressive designs" and only wanted "an external environment in our region and beyond that is conducive to our peaceful development and the protection of our value systems". Defence Minister A K Antony said the nuclear submarine was crucial for a credible second strike capability in view of India's voluntary "no first use" nuclear weapon policy.

Launch of INS Arihant a 'destabilising step': Pak- TIMESNOW.tv - Latest Breaking News, Big News Stories, News Videos

I think Pak will go for the submarine carrier with the new granted American fund.

 

[RPK]

India submarine 'threatens peace'

India's launch of a nuclear-powered submarine is a threat to regional peace and security, Pakistan's foreign ministry has said.

"Pakistan will take appropriate steps to safeguard its security without entering an arms race," foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said.

The submarine, unveiled at a ceremony on Sunday, will be able to launch missiles at targets 700km away.

But India's prime minister said India had no aggressive designs on anyone.

It has become the the sixth country in the world to have a nuclear-powered submarine - only the US, Russia, France, Britain and China had the capability to build nuclear submarines.

'Jeopardising security'

But the move has prompted concern over the border.

"Pakistan believes the maintenance of strategic balance is essential for peace and security in the region," Mr Basit said.

Pakistan navy spokesman, Captain Abid Majeed Butt, told Dawn News television that the launch of the submarine was a "destabilising step".

He said it would "jeopardise the security paradigm of the entire Indian Ocean region" - and warned of a possible nuclear arms race in the region.

At the launch ceremony Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was necessary to keep pace with technological advancements worldwide.

He added that the sea was becoming increasingly relevant to India's security concerns.



India has relied mainly on Russian-built submarines until now
The 6,000 tonne Arihant submarine will only be deployed after a few years of trials. But it will be able to launch missiles at targets 700km (437 miles) away.

The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says until now India has been able to launch ballistic missiles only from the air and from land.

Nuclear submarines will add a third dimension to its defence capability.

When it is eventually deployed, the top-secret Arihant will be able to carry 100 sailors on board.

It will be able to stay under water for long periods and thereby increase its chances of remaining undetected.

By contrast, India's ageing conventional diesel-powered submarines need to constantly surface to recharge their batteries.

Our correspondent says the launching of the Arihant is a clear sign that India is looking to blunt the threat from China which has a major naval presence in the region.

 

[xebex]

India submarine 'threatens peace'

India's launch of a nuclear-powered submarine is a threat to regional peace and security, Pakistan's foreign ministry has said.

"Pakistan will take appropriate steps to safeguard its security without entering an arms race," foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said.

The submarine, unveiled at a ceremony on Sunday, will be able to launch missiles at targets 700km away.

But India's prime minister said India had no aggressive designs on anyone.

It has become the the sixth country in the world to have a nuclear-powered submarine - only the US, Russia, France, Britain and China had the capability to build nuclear submarines.

'Jeopardising security'

But the move has prompted concern over the border.

"Pakistan believes the maintenance of strategic balance is essential for peace and security in the region," Mr Basit said.

Pakistan navy spokesman, Captain Abid Majeed Butt, told Dawn News television that the launch of the submarine was a "destabilising step".

He said it would "jeopardise the security paradigm of the entire Indian Ocean region" - and warned of a possible nuclear arms race in the region.

At the launch ceremony Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was necessary to keep pace with technological advancements worldwide.

He added that the sea was becoming increasingly relevant to India's security concerns.



India has relied mainly on Russian-built submarines until now
The 6,000 tonne Arihant submarine will only be deployed after a few years of trials. But it will be able to launch missiles at targets 700km (437 miles) away.

The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says until now India has been able to launch ballistic missiles only from the air and from land.

Nuclear submarines will add a third dimension to its defence capability.

When it is eventually deployed, the top-secret Arihant will be able to carry 100 sailors on board.

It will be able to stay under water for long periods and thereby increase its chances of remaining undetected.

By contrast, India's ageing conventional diesel-powered submarines need to constantly surface to recharge their batteries.

Our correspondent says the launching of the Arihant is a clear sign that India is looking to blunt the threat from China which has a major naval presence in the region.

I wonder why they didnt raise this concern when Our neighbour China introduced the Nuclear sub into the region knowing it could trigger an arms race........they have no problems when China introduce something but are very concerned when India do the same. Ignorance at its best.

 

[Sridhar]

LiveFist - The Best of Indian Defence: Rough On-Site Sketches of Arihant

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Rough On-Site Sketches of Arihant

 

[Adux]

part of the problem is lack of funds in Russia to research or develop new designs. After Soviet collapse, Russia didn't have funds even to dismantle or dispose the older submarines safely. Construction of new submarines was delayed due to lack of funds. Because Russia cannot export nuclear submarines like other warships, design firms have to depend only on Russian Navy. Infact after soviet collapse, even ATV project suffered delays for some years. Even the Submarines during soviet-era are good enough to face chinese counterparts.

But the capital is being provided by India not Russia, nor was the Project under Russian Defence Export Ministry.You are wrong in assuming, Indians when they spend nearly a 3-4 billions in this project will taking a cue from a 1960's sub, that was the case till late 1989's, but not after Russians started provided direct help from mid 1995's/

 

[Sridhar]

Final drawing by shiv aroor , looks good

 

[Sridhar]

Speculative images by Blog user Harpreet

 

[venom]

INS Arihant launch a destabilising step, says Pakistan

Pakistan on Monday termed the induction of an indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine by India as a 'destabilising step' and said it was capable of defending itself in the face of all such regional challenges.

"The government of Pakistan is fully aware of this issue and is prepared to counter it at all levels. Pakistan's defence is fully prepared to face this challenge," Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar told reporters in response to a question about India's launch of 'INS Arihant'.

"We don't want any wars but we know how to defend ourselves," he said. A Pakistan navy spokesman told reporters that India's launch of a nuclear submarine was "a destabilising step which would jeopardise the security paradigm of the entire Indian Ocean region".

The Indian nuclear submarine will have far-reaching effects not only for Pakistan, but the entire Indian Ocean region and adjoining coastal countries, he said. The move could also trigger a nuclear arms race in the region, he said.

The government will have to decide about Pakistan making its own nuclear submarine though the navy is fully prepared to implement any decision taken by the government, the spokesman said.

India on Sunday launched its first indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine. Built with Russian cooperation, the submarine can carry the Sagarika missile, which is capable of hitting targets at a range of 700 km.

The vessel will form the crucial third leg of India's triad of land, air and sea platforms capable of delivering nuclear weapons. India already has warplanes and missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Speaking at the launch of the submarine, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] said India did not have 'any aggressive designs' and only wanted 'an external environment in our region and beyond that is conducive to our peaceful development and the protection of our value systems'.

Defence Minister A K Antony said the nuclear submarine was crucial for a credible second strike capability in view of India's voluntary 'no first use' nuclear weapon policy.

INS Arihant launch a destabilising step, says Pak: Rediff.com news

 

[Pintu]

Pakistan says India's nuclear sub threatens regional peace | csmonitor.com

Pakistan says India's nuclear sub threatens regional peace

Pakistani Navy officials warn the submarine, launched on Sunday, could spark an arms race. Two weeks ago the countries agreed to peace talks.

By Huma Yusuf
posted July 28, 2009 at 8:34 am EST

Pakistani officials are saying that India's launch of a nuclear-powered submarine over the weekend threatens regional peace. Pakistan's complaint comes barely two weeks after it had agreed to resume peace talks with India.

According to the BBC, Pakistan's foreign ministry alleged the submarine threatens regional security.

"Pakistan will take appropriate steps to safeguard its security without entering an arms race," foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said. "The continued induction of new lethal weapon systems by India is detrimental to regional peace and stability,"

Despite the foreign office's cautious tone, Pakistani Navy officials have said the submarine launch could spark an arms race, reports Dawn, an English-language Pakistani daily.

[A] spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy Commander Salman Ali told Dawn on Monday the Indian move would have far-reaching destabilising effects on the security environment not only of Pakistan but also of all the littoral states of [the] Indian Ocean and beyond. He said the induction of [the] 6,000-tonne INS Arihant in the Indian Navy had the potential to trigger a nuclear arms race in the region and all littoral states, including Pakistan, would have to take appropriate safeguards.

The nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan began in 1974 when India detonated a nuclear device. In response to Indian nuclear tests in 1998, Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons as well. According to The Times of India the launch of the submarine significantly strengthens India's ability to deter nuclear attacks.

India with [nuclear-powered submarine] INS Arihant has taken a big leap forward towards developing the all-important third leg of its nuclear triad — the ability to fire nukes from the land, air and sea…

What makes a nuclear submarine the most preferred option is that it's extremely difficult to detect and target by an adversary… this is especially important for a country like India, which has a declared no-first-use nuclear doctrine and, hence, must have a survivable and lethal second-strike capability to retaliate against a conceivable first pre-emptive strike by an enemy.

The Daily Times in Pakistan reports that India has also approved the construction of two more nuclear submarines

Writing on the Dawn Blog, Naveen Naqvi highlights Pakistan's growing unease with India's defense expenditure.

As Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Research Fellow at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute, said with urgency, 'Not one of the biggest, India is the biggest defense spender in the world right now. And a 34 per cent increase in their defense budget does not send out the right signals to Pakistan.

Seeking to dispel concerns raised by the submarine launch, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that India does "not have any aggressive designs nor do we seek to threaten anyone," reported The Hindu, a leading Indian daily. In an address on Sunday, Dr. Singh said that the submarine was necessary "to safeguard our country and keep pace with technological advancements worldwide."

To be sure, talks between India and Pakistan have continued to move forward despite political opposition in both countries. On Monday, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani described his meeting with his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the fifteenth Non-Aligned Movement summit a "major breakthrough," the Daily Times reported.

On Wednesday, Singh is scheduled to address the Indian Parliament to explain the importance of improving relations with Pakistan after "facing sustained political flak from his opponents – and lukewarm support from his own party – on the issue," reports The Wall Street Journal.

 

[ajay_ijn]

Pak knows it has little to do with SSBN as they already covered completely ground based Indian missiles and fighters can reach every corner of Pakistan.

But only problem for them is when India deploys nuclear attack submarine. unlike an conventional submarine, SSN will have far better underwater performance: top speed, acceleration, ultimited endurance, maneuverability. it can probably make circles around conventional diesel electric submarine.

unlike an Aircraft Carrier, it cannot spotted easily and due to its underwater speed even destroying it becomes difficult. hollywood movies show US SSBNs outmaneuveruing torpedos or using torpedo decoys.

Even destroyers and Frigates of IN are more vunerable than SSN because they can anytime attacked from air using multiple anti-ship missiles or by Diesel electric submarines. Pak AIP Subs will be effective in doing that.

but if you take attack submarines they can stay in waters for weeks and months, it can just play with diesel-electric subs like Agostha 90B provided its able to detect, it can surprise surface warships by launching anti-ship missiles fromunderwater and it can also block a port more effectively than conventional subs for long periods without any support except for weapons reloading.

I want IN to use SSN to annhilate the last of PN stronghold- AIP Submarines.

we would have limited number of SSNs so we should decide whether they should be deployed in defence of SSBN or Aircraft Carrier or direct offensive action against PN warships and Subs by blocking their ports.

 

[Adux]

Pak knows it has little to do with SSBN as they already covered completely ground based Indian missiles and fighters can reach every corner of Pakistan.

That is not the point, it is about assured second strike.

But only problem for them is when India deploys nuclear attack submarine. unlike an conventional submarine, SSN will have far better underwater performance: top speed, acceleration, ultimited endurance, maneuverability. it can probably make circles around conventional diesel electric submarine.

And also more noise. SSN's are noiser and when confronting Pakistan they will have to do that in Littoral waters, a fortae of Diesel-AIP subs

unlike an Aircraft Carrier, it cannot spotted easily and due to its underwater speed even destroying it becomes difficult. hollywood movies show US SSBNs outmaneuveruing torpedos or using torpedo decoys.

You already lost if your SSBN is caught, it is all about Stand off ranges; It is simple, move so far deep into Indian Ocean, far away where it is logistically impossible for Pak Navy to track our asset. And launch our second strike;This is where Agni-3L or K-X comes in.

Even destroyers and Frigates of IN are more vunerable than SSN because they can anytime attacked from air using multiple anti-ship missiles or by Diesel electric submarines. Pak AIP Subs will be effective in doing that.

You are forgetting one vital asset, P-8I and network centercity

but if you take attack submarines they can stay in waters for weeks and months, it can just play with diesel-electric subs like Agostha 90B provided its able to detect, it can surprise surface warships by launching anti-ship missiles fromunderwater and it can also block a port more effectively than conventional subs for long periods without any support except for weapons reloading.

It is stupid to go to littoral waters with an SSN,like the US submarine found out in Malabar exercise of the coast goa, that is where our HDW 209's shined.
I want IN to use SSN to annhilate the last of PN stronghold- AIP Submarines.

we would have limited number of SSNs so we should decide whether they should be deployed in defence of SSBN or Aircraft Carrier or direct offensive action against PN warships and Subs by blocking their ports

Start counting them like this, We are assured to have 5 aircraft carrier battle groups; that is 5already there, and we plan to have nearly 8-10 SSBN's, that is 16-20 SSN's right there. So we may have nearly 25 SSN's, 10 SSBN, and 12 Diesel Electric Scorpene's/ Second line. And think South China Sea, that is where our SSN's have to go, not Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal,That is where Jin and Tang class SSBN's will be there to launch their JL-2's

 

[bhramos]

good mama,
we will haviving atleast 5SSN's atleast 2 for 2CBG protection and 2 for may be SSBN protection and 1 would always be ready for Offence in case of War tensions or else it can be in reserve or maintainace ,
why cant we buy more Akula-II's , the russia already offered us.

 

[sayareakd]

the present ATV-I can be used for both the roles, therefore it will be better to use this as SSN and if need be those K-XV and X can be fired

this will save cost too.........

 

[bhramos]

but defence experts say we should not keep high taughts on INS Arihant,
as this is the 1st piece, so its better to maintain it as SSBN and Hide this in Indian Ocean as Adux said. thats purely defensive purpose & keep for 2nd strike capability.