In a notable advancement for India’s naval capabilities, plans have been announced for Russia to deliver a leased Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine to the Indian Navy by 2028. This development stems from a substantial $3 billion intergovernmental agreement that was signed in 2019. Initially expected to be delivered in 2025, the submarine’s arrival has faced delays due to various logistical and technical challenges.
The new vessel is set to replace the now-retired INS Chakra, which was also leased from Russia and operated between 2012 and 2022. Its addition is poised to enhance India’s underwater warfare capabilities at a critical time when strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific is escalating. Furthermore, this upgraded submarine will be outfitted with the advanced 3M14K Kalibr (SS-N-30A) cruise missile, marking a significant increase in its strike range from the originally planned 500–600 km to an impressive 1,500–2,000 km.
The integration of the 3M14K missile variant, part of the export-focused Club missile family, greatly improves the submarine’s ability to undertake long-range precision strikes from underwater, allowing it to effectively target both land and maritime threats. This upgrade corresponds with India’s broader initiative to modernize its naval arsenal and maintain a credible deterrence in the region.
The Akula-class submarines are recognized globally for their advanced design, characterized by their stealth, speed, and operational versatility. These submarines are armed with both torpedoes and cruise missiles and are designed for various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, and deep strike capabilities. The addition of this new submarine will complement India’s existing underwater fleet, which already includes conventional Scorpene-class submarines and two indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, including the INS Arihant.
Though the specific reasons for the delays were not disclosed, such postponements are typically attributed to technical complexities, global supply chain issues, or geopolitical factors. Strain on Russia’s defense production and its international military obligations may have also played a role in adjusting the delivery timeline.
This acquisition is seen as a crucial part of India’s maritime strategy, particularly in light of China’s growing naval presence and assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of strengthening maritime deterrence capabilities in an increasingly competitive environment.
