Indian Navy set to receive Akula-class Nuclear Attack Submarine INS Chakra III by 2028 after significant delays
The Indian Navy’s lease of the Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, INS Chakra III, has been delayed and is now expected to join the fleet by 2028. Initially planned for delivery in 2025, the project has encountered setbacks primarily due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia, affecting the availability of critical components.
In 2019, India and Russia signed a $3 billion agreement for the lease of the Akula-1 class submarine, which will be named INS Chakra III. This lease agreement, similar to prior ones between the two nations, aims to bolster India's naval capabilities with advanced nuclear attack submarine (SSN) technology, marking a significant enhancement for the Indian Navy over a 10-year period.
Akula-class submarines are known for their stealth, speed, and deep operational capacity, making them some of the most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarines globally. For India, leasing INS Chakra III is essential to strengthening its underwater defense capabilities, especially amid rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Originally expected by 2025, the delivery of INS Chakra III has been delayed due to complications from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Western sanctions on Russia have disrupted the supply of essential components and technologies necessary to refurbish and upgrade the submarine for Indian use. The revised estimates now suggest that the submarine may not be handed over to India until late 2027 or 2028.
This delay has affected India’s naval operations, particularly after the return of INS Chakra II, the previous Akula-class submarine leased from Russia. INS Chakra II was returned to Russia in 2021 after the completion of its 10-year lease, leaving a gap in the Indian Navy's underwater warfare capabilities.
The leasing of Akula-class submarines by India began with INS Chakra II in 2012, which played a critical role in enhancing the Navy's proficiency in operating nuclear-powered submarines. This experience was vital for the Indian Navy as it allowed personnel to acquire key operational and maintenance skills. Following the expiration of the lease, however, India found itself without a comparable submarine until the anticipated delivery of INS Chakra III.
Prior to its transfer to India, INS Chakra III will undergo significant refurbishment and modernization to align with the Indian Navy’s specifications. Key upgrades include the integration of Indian-designed communication and sensor systems to ensure compatibility with India’s operational standards and naval infrastructure. These modifications are critical for the submarine’s ability to effectively operate in the Indian Ocean Region and integrate into India’s naval command structure.
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