Indigenous Submarines, Indigenous Conventional Submarine

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started a preliminary study on designing and developing an indigenous conventional submarine under Project-76.

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• Continuation of ATV Project:
  • This project is a continuation of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
  • The ATV project includes building conventional submarines and the Arihant series of nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBN).
  • Another project for building nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) is also ongoing.
• Indigenous Content:
  • Project-76 will feature substantial indigenous content, including weapons, missiles, combat management systems, sonars, communications, electronic warfare suites, mast, and periscope.
• Navy’s Submarine Programme:
  • The Indian Navy has a 30-year submarine building programme.
  • Following the P-751 project, the Navy plans to design and build conventional submarines indigenously.
• Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Module:
  • The AIP module, designed and developed by DRDO, is awaiting fitment on the Scorpene-class submarines.
  • The first Scorpene-class submarine, Kalvari, is expected to undergo refit in 2025, which will take two to three years.
• Benefits of AIP Module:
  • The AIP module increases the endurance of conventional submarines, allowing them to remain submerged for longer durations.
  • This enhances their endurance and reduces the chances of detection.

About Project-76

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is leading Project-76, an ambitious initiative to design and develop a new generation of indigenous conventional submarines for the Indian Navy.
• The project involves collaboration between DRDO and the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy.
• By late 2025, DRDO and WDB are expected to finalise the design of these 3000-4000-ton submarines.
• Project approval is anticipated sometime in 2028-29, paving the way for construction.
• The Indian Navy envisions a fleet of six submarines built under Project-76, with a remarkable 70-80% indigenous content. This focus on domestic production aims to boost India’s defence manufacturing sector and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
• France has offered its pump-jet propulsion for the program to enhance efficiency across most aspects of submarine performance.
• Project-76 represents a natural progression towards greater self-sufficiency in submarine acquisition for the Indian Navy.

Classes of Submarines in India

Shishumar Class

• Origin: Commissioned under technology transfer from Germany.
• Submarines:
  • INS Shishumar
  • INS Shankush
  • INS Shalki
  • INS Shankul
• Capabilities: Advanced sensory capabilities optimised for anti-sub and anti-ship warfare in the Arabian Sea.

Sindhughosh Class

• Origin: Russian-origin Kilo-class submarines.
• Submarines:
  • Active:
    • INS Sindhughosh
    • INS Sindhudhvaj
    • INS Sindhuraj
    • INS Sindhuvir
    • INS Sindhuratna
    • INS Sindhukesari
  • Decommissioned: 3 submarines (names not specified)
• Capabilities: Equipped with satellite sensors, radar, sonar, electronic surveillance, and anti-ship and anti-submarine weaponry.

Kalvari Class

• Origin: Indigenously built under technology transfer from France’s Scorpene class, built at Mazagon Dock.
• Submarines:
  • INS Kalvari
  • INS Khanderi
  • INS Karanj
  • INS Vela
  • INS Vagir
  • Upcoming: INS Vagsheer (to be delivered in 2024)
• Projects:
  • Project 75: Includes the six submarines listed above.
  • Project 75 (I): Air Independent Propulsion to be fitted (submarines under development).

Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines (SSN)

• Current Status: No active SSNs.
• Decommissioned: INS Chakra II (Akula class, leased from Russia).
• Future Plans:
  • INS Chakra III (Akula class, planned induction in 2025).
  • Indigenous Project 75 Alpha SSNs.

Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN)

• Current SSBN:
  • INS Arihant
    • Launch: 2009
    • Commission: 2016
    • Features: Double-hull with advanced sensors, periscopes, weapon systems, including SLBMs.
    • Missiles: 12 K-15 (Sagarika) missiles with a 750 km range or 4 K-4 missiles with a 3500 km range.
  • Under Construction: INS Arighat (S3, upgraded version of INS Arihant).
  • Planning Phase: S4 and S5 SSBNs.

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