India’s Nuclear Submarine Projects
October 13/15: The INS Arihant – India’s first indigenous nuclear submarine – has completed sea trials ahead of planned testing of the Nirbhay cruise missile later this month. The Indian Navy plans to subsequently test a B-05 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), as the country pursues a nuclear triad capability. The intention of testing this missile was first announced in July.
According to GlobalSecurity.org, India’s ATV (advanced technology vessel) program to build a nuclear-powered submarine began in 1974, and became a serious effort in 1985. The Federation of American Scientists’ December 1996 document “The Indian Strategic Nuclear Submarine Project: An Open Literature Analysis” remains one of the best single open sources on India’s program. Unfortunately, it was compiled over a decade ago and has become rather dated. That project has continued, and this DID Spotlight article continues to collect open source information on the ATV program.
More and more sources were claiming that a rented Russian Akula class boat would be operational as a training vessel by 2009. The concept was correct, but the date was not. A deadly accident during K-152 Nerpa’s sea trials delayed that project, and further complications pushed its hand-over date to 2012. As efforts to move the Nerpa into service continue, India has finally launched its indigenous nuclear sub Arihant, to begin sea trials and testing.
The ATV Program: Background
Strategic Pressure: Keeping Up with the Shangs
ATV: Searching for Answers
The Arihant Class: Destroyer of Enemies
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