Heralding a new era in their bilateral defense cooperation, India and Russia have signed a massive $3 billion deal for a nuclear submarine. The Indian Navy is set to obtain this submarine, rebranded as Chakra III, leased from Russia. Expected to serve the Indian Navy for at least ten years, Chakra III is an integral part of the Russian Navy’s K-322 Kashalot (Akula II-class) SSN (Submarine Nuclear).
To ensure maximum efficacy, the SSN will feature an indigenously-developed USHUS integrated sonar system, together with the Panchendriya sonar, a unified submarine sonar, and tactical control system. The Akula II-class, the 8,140-ton Chakra III, boasts a submerged speed of 30 knots and an operational depth of 530 meters, capable of accommodating a crew of 73. The submarine is on schedule for delivery to the Indian Navy by 2025.
The Importance of Leasing
Leasing these nuclear-powered submarines from Russia primarily serves the purpose of training Indian naval personnel in piloting the nation’s own fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Chakra-III ushers in a new dimension of power for India, as a nuclear submarine’s ability to remain underwater for months undetected, represents a major strategic advantage, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
The addition of this submarine dramatically bolsters India’s position as the primary provider of security in the Indian Ocean region, home to numerous important shipping lanes.
A History of Leasing
This isn’t the first time that the Indian Navy has leased nuclear-powered vessels. Back in 1988, the navy had a three-year lease on a nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine that was named INS Chakra. A second submarine, named Chakra II, was leased for a ten-year period in 2012 and currently serves with the Eastern Naval Command.
India’s Indigenous SSBN Fleet
Parallel to leasing from Russia, India is also robustly developing its Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) fleet under the Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) project. India’s first indigenously-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the INS Arihant, was commissioned in 2016. A second vessel, the INS Arighat, was launched in 2017 and is currently undergoing sea trials.
Continued Defense Cooperation Between India and Russia
| Signed Deals | Specifications |
|---|---|
| S-400 Triumf air defense missile system | $5 billion deal |
| Project 1135.6 frigates’ construction | Multiple units |
| Ka-226T helicopters | Joint venture for manufacturing in India |
| AK-203 assault rifles | Russia to establish manufacturing unit in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh |
The partnership between India and Russia extends beyond this submarine deal. Recently, both countries signed a $5 billion deal for the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system. The nations have also agreed on the construction of frigates under Project 1135.6, and the formation of a joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. Further, Russia is setting up a manufacturing unit for AK-203 assault rifles under a joint venture in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
Completion of India’s Nuclear Triad
With the diversification of its nuclear capabilities, India now boasts a complete nuclear triad. This is a significant step in bolstering India’s defense capabilities and making it a formidable force in the region.
