Bharat is preparing to build two nuclear submarines, with the Union Government having already granted approval for the project. This marks the country’s first venture into nuclear submarine construction, aimed at strengthening its naval force and enhancing surveillance capabilities. The Cabinet Committee for Security (CCS) recently approved the project. Additionally, reports indicate that final approval has been given for the purchase of 31 Predator drones from American company General Atomics under a Foreign Military Sales Contract between the two Governments. An amount of Rs 80,000 crore has been approved for the empowerment program.
According to the design, the two nuclear-powered attack submarines will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Bharat Navy in the Indian Ocean Region. The construction of these submarines is expected to cost around Rs 45,000 crore. The country plans to have six such submarines in the near future, which will be built under the ambitious Advanced Technology Vessel Project. These submarines are distinct from the five nuclear submarines being constructed under the Arihant class at the same site.
The deal for the drones must be finalised by October 31, as the validity of the U.S. proposal expires on that date. According to the contractual obligations, the Defence forces will begin receiving the drones four years after the deal is signed. The Bharat Navy is expected to receive 15 out of the 31 drones, while the Army and Air Force will each get eight; these will be deployed together at two bases in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, indigenous equipment developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Solar Industries, a private sector firm, may be utilised as Make in India components for the 31 drones, which are anticipated to represent a significant advancement in surveillance capabilities during peacetime.
The submarines are expected to be constructed at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Vishakhapatnam, located on the eastern coast of the country. Larson & Toubro and other private players active in the defence sector will also participate in the venture. These submarines will serve as a deterrent to the growing influence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean Region. The ambitious project aims to be 90 per cent indigenous. These procurements will provide a significant boost to the three branches of the country’s Defence Forces.
