New Delhi: The Indian Navy is on track to commission its first fully indigenously designed nuclear attack submarine (SSN) by 2036-37, with plans for a second submarine to follow approximately two years later. This announcement was made by Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi during a media briefing ahead of Navy Day. This marks the first instance of any government official publicly discussing the specifics of the SSN program.
Admiral Tripathi elaborated that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the development of the first two SSNs, underscoring a significant milestone in India’s naval capabilities. He provided insight into the modifications made to the country’s long-standing submarine construction program, which dates back 30 years. Initially, a plan established in 1999 aimed to induct 24 conventional submarines by 2030; however, only five have been integrated into the fleet so far, with the sixth Scorpene submarine set for commissioning soon under Project 75.
The future of submarine construction also includes plans to build six additional conventional submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, although contracts for this initiative under Project 75 (India) have yet to be finalized. The experiences gained from the Project 75 initiative will inform the upcoming Project 76, which aims to produce 12 entirely indigenous submarines.
Under the governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar decided that out of the 12 submarines planned, six would be reclassified as nuclear attack submarines, allowing them to remain integrated within the Indian Navy’s operational framework and budget. While India maintains a separate program for nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) funded through the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), the SSNs will bolster conventional and strategic capabilities.
Regarding the timeline for these submarines, Admiral Tripathi stated that based on current capabilities and projected timelines, the inaugural SSN could realistically be operational by 2036-37, with the subsequent one accessible a few years later. He emphasized the importance of indigenous design, interpreting government approval as a vote of confidence in both the Navy and the domestic defense industry.
The Chief of the Navy also mentioned INS Arighaat, the second SSBN, which was inducted in August and is currently undergoing trials. As for the broader submarine program, an agreement for three additional Scorpene submarines is expected to be finalized next month due to delays faced by the Project 76(I) initiative. Furthermore, a contract for 26 Rafale Marine fighters is also anticipated to be signed in the coming month.
Currently, there are 62 ships and one submarine under construction in India, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance naval strength. A substantial number of naval platforms are nearing readiness for induction within the next year, with at least one ship expected to join the fleet soon, as Admiral Tripathi outlined the Navy’s ongoing expansion and modernization efforts.
