2024-08-11 20:55:51
New Delhi: Approval for the construction of nuclear submarines for the Indian Navy is expected. According to sources, the government is likely to approve the indigenous construction of nuclear submarines this year. Currently, the Navy has no nuclear submarines and urgently needs them in light of the increasing threat from China. The Navy has submitted a proposal to the government outlining the need for a nuclear submarine, and the government has tentatively approved the proposal.
The Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers. A nuclear submarine can remain submerged for over a month without detection. Given China’s growing activities in the Indian Ocean Region, there is an urgent need for a nuclear submarine.
China recently completed the sea trial of its third aircraft carrier and has announced plans to build a fourth, which will be a nuclear-powered supercarrier. Sources suggest that if China’s aircraft carriers enter the Indian Ocean Region, India will need to prepare accordingly, highlighting the necessity of nuclear submarines.
The Navy’s long-pending Project-75i is also gaining momentum. This project aims to deliver six new submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), which allows them to stay submerged for longer periods. Currently, the Indian Navy lacks such submarines. It currently operates 16 conventional submarines, 5 of which are Kalvari-class submarines, with one more expected soon. Additionally, most of the remaining submarines are over 30 years old and require replacement.