Soldier On
The missing link in a number of crucial defence procurements, especially the much-delayed Project 75I (referred to as 75-India) to build six conventional submarines for the Navy, is close to being resolved. According to sources, the “strategic partner” policy has been finalised. It is currently before the defence secretary for approval, after which it will … Read more
Giving a quiet yet substantial boost to Indian Navy’s capabilities, India’s first indigenously-made nuclear submarine, the INS Arihant has been commissioned into service. According to various media reports, the nuclear submarine was commissioned in August this year by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, but it has not been formally declared. Navy too has declined to … Read more
In 2005, almost seven years after the 1998 nuclear tests, the Indian Navy quietly sent 52 officers and over 100 sailors to Russia to induct INS Chakra, a Nuclear Submarine on lease. It would provide escort to INS Arihant, the indigenously-built nuclear submarine carrying strategic nuclear missiles on board. Trained by Russians A critical component … Read more
If reports are to be believed, it may now cost less to build nuclear submarines in India than to import conventional ones from abroad. When India last imported (or licence-produced) submarines it cost the exchequer upwards of Rs 3,000 crores per unit. This would only be the upfront cost of manufacturing the submarine, early stage … Read more