Submarines have long held a fascination for naval enthusiasts and military strategists alike. In the case of India, the journey of submarines began several decades ago, and today, the Indian Navy boasts a formidable fleet. In this blog, we will delve into the early Indian submarines, their capabilities, their role in stealth and warfare, their communication methods, and touch upon the future of nuclear-powered submarines.
The Indian Navy's tryst with submarines began in 1967 with the induction of the first batch of Foxtrot class submarines, acquired from the Soviet Union. These diesel-electric submarines were the initial backbone of India's submarine fleet. With a displacement of approximately 1,950 tons, Foxtrot class submarines offered a significant range and endurance, making them suitable for long-range missions. These submarines played a vital role in patrolling and gathering intelligence during times of conflict.
Submarines are renowned for their stealth capabilities, allowing them to operate undetected beneath the ocean's surface. Indian submarines, such as the Shishumar and Kalvari class, are equipped with advanced stealth technology. The construction materials and design ensure a reduced acoustic signature, making it harder for enemy vessels to detect them using sonar systems. This stealth advantage allows Indian submarines to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and launch surprise attacks on hostile targets.
Indian submarines are not just surveillance platforms; they possess significant offensive capabilities as well. Armed with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and land-attack cruise missiles, these submarines pose a potent threat to enemy vessels and installations. The ability to launch precise strikes from an unseen location provides a strategic advantage, allowing India to project power and deter potential adversaries.
Communication plays a crucial role in submarine operations. Submarines maintain contact with the surface through various means, including Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication, which allows them to transmit and receive messages at great depths. Additionally, submarines employ periscope communication systems and satellite communication for real-time data transfer and coordination with other units.
To counter the threat of incoming torpedoes, Indian submarines are equipped with advanced defense systems. These include anti-torpedo decoys, which create a false target to divert incoming torpedoes. Additionally, submarines employ acoustic countermeasures, such as passive and active sonar jamming, to confuse and neutralize enemy torpedoes.
The future of Indian submarines lies in nuclear propulsion technology. Nuclear-powered submarines offer several advantages over their conventional counterparts. By harnessing the power of a nuclear reactor, these submarines can operate underwater for extended periods without the need to surface for oxygen or refuel. This endurance enables them to carry out long-range missions, maintain a persistent presence, and project power in distant waters.
The Indian Navy is actively working on the development of indigenous nuclear-powered submarines, known as the Arihant class. Four boats of this class are planned out of which INS Arihant with a displacement of 6000 tonnes was commissioned in August 2016 and as of March 2021 the sea trials of INS Arighat have been made. The other two boats in this class which are under construction as of the date of writing this article have 7000 tonnes displacement.
