India to Build Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines, Expanding Naval Power

Despite the inclusion of six indigenous Scorpene-class submarines, the Navy’s submarine branch still operates 12 older submarines. Recognizing this, the Navy is seeking to augment its fleet with more powerful destroyers and submarines. India is now developing nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) comparable to the U.S. Virginia-class Block V submarines. A total of six SSN submarines are planned. Construction of the first submarine has commenced at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, with the initial vessel expected to join the Indian Navy between 2030 and 2035. These submarines will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s ‘blue water’ operational capabilities, enabling operations in distant seas. The project received approval from the government’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in 2024. These submarines will have the capacity to carry 40 missiles, launched from a Vertical Launch System (VLS). They will work in tandem with aircraft carriers to strengthen India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region. These nuclear submarines will be approximately 95% indigenous and distinct from the Arihant class, built under the Project Advanced Technology Vessel. Presently, the Indian Navy has been authorized to build two nuclear submarines at a cost of around 40,000 crore rupees, with plans for four more to follow.