Indian Navy Seeks Approval for Nuclear-Powered Submarines Amidst Delays in ‘Project Delta’ Due to Ukraine Conflict

The Indian Navy has stepped towards bolstering its defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region as it seeks government approval to build two nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines (SSNs). This request comes in response to delays in ‘Project Delta,’ a plan initially aimed at enhancing India’s submarine fleet, which has been postponed beyond 2027 due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In 2015, the Modi government approved a 30-year submarine plan that included the construction of six SSNs to strengthen India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific. The first crucial step in this plan is the acceptance of necessity (AoN) for two SSNs. High-level consultations are currently underway to expedite this process, as the need for these advanced submarines becomes increasingly urgent.

It was earlier reported that India is preparing to commission its second nuclear-powered, nuclear missile-armed submarine, INS Arighat, to join the first SSBN (nuclear-powered submarines armed with ballistic missiles), INS Arihant, already on patrol in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, India’s third SSBN, INS Aridaman, is set to be commissioned soon, further solidifying the nation’s formidable nuclear triad.

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However, the Indian Navy’s plans to lease Russian Akula-class SSNs under ‘Project Delta’ have been significantly delayed due to Russia’s preoccupation with the Ukraine war and the impact of technological sanctions, which may persist until at least 2028. In light of these delays, the Indian Navy has decided to focus on building SSNs domestically, following the construction of three additional Kalveri (Scorpene) class diesel-electric submarines at Mazagon Dockyards in Mumbai.

The decision to prioritize SSNs is driven by several factors critical to India’s national security. Unlike conventional attack submarines, which must surface every second day to recharge their batteries, nuclear attack submarines are limited only by crew endurance, supplies, and waste disposal. SSNs can operate at a speed of 20 knots underwater, compared to the four to five knots achieved by diesel-electric submarines with air-independent propulsion.

The growing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean, coupled with its support for Pakistan’s naval capabilities, underscores the urgent need for India to build a robust deterrent against these adversaries. Last year, a Chinese Song class submarine participated in a naval exercise with Pakistan, demonstrating its capabilities by practicing bottoming at Karachi harbor. Bangladesh has also acquired two Ming-class submarines from China, further complicating the security landscape in the region.

Moreover, while SSBNs are vital for nuclear deterrence and form part of India’s second-strike capability, SSNs are essential for conventional deterrence. India’s first four SSBNs, all of the Arihant class, will be equipped with 750 km range K-15 ballistic missiles, with the next class to be fitted with 3000 km range K-4 ballistic missiles.

The need for SSNs is also underscored by the Chinese submarines’ activities in the Ombai-Wetar straits near QUAD ally Australia, which they have used to enter the Indian Ocean undetected. These submarines have been surveying key areas, including the 90-degree East Ridge and the South Indian Ocean, extending their reach as far as the west coast of Africa.

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