Post S4* SSBN Launch, Focus Turns to Strategic SSN and S5 SSBN Projects with PMO Oversight
Following the successful launch of the S4* (Star) SSBN nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, India is intensifying efforts on its next strategic projects: the S5-class SSBNs and nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). These advanced submarines represent a leap in India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities, with the S5-class SSBNs set to nearly double the submerged displacement of the current SSBN fleet.
The S5-class SSBN, anticipated to have a submerged displacement of around 13,000 tons, will be double the size of India's existing Arihant- and S4-class SSBNs, critical elements of India's nuclear triad. Equipped with an advanced nuclear propulsion system, enhanced stealth features, and a greater payload capacity, the S5 will incorporate the upcoming K5 SLBM (8,000 km range) and K6 SLBM (10,000 km range), strengthening India’s second-strike capabilities.
Initially, the Indian Navy considered building six of these S5-class SSBNs, though current plans project four, to be constructed in two phases. This phased approach allows a gradual scaling of India’s nuclear submarine fleet, balancing operational requirements with costs and logistics.
The S5’s design phase is complete, with each unit estimated to cost about ₹20,000 crores ($2.4 billion). Due to the strategic scale of the project, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is directly overseeing the program, ensuring top-level support, approval, and funding. This PMO involvement reflects the importance of the S5 program in India’s overall defense strategy, especially given rising regional security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
A key step forward involves upgrading Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), where these large submarines will be constructed. Major infrastructure updates are underway, particularly to the dry docks, preparing CSL for the unique demands of building these substantial nuclear-powered vessels.
In tandem with the S5 project, India’s Project-77—a program for building two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs)—is progressing. These SSNs and the S5 SSBNs will share several core technologies, notably a 190 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR) to power both classes, marking an improvement over the reactors in the Arihant-class.
Another shared feature will be a pump-jet propulsion system, a quiet and efficient propulsion method that reduces submarine detectability. This technological overlap between the SSN and S5 programs will streamline production, reduce costs, and help establish India’s submarine fleet with cutting-edge advancements.
These advancements position India’s fleet toward enhanced stealth and survivability, affording the Indian Navy significant strategic leverage. The development of the S5-class SSBNs is pivotal to India's nuclear triad, supporting a robust second-strike capability. With a larger range and improved endurance, these submarines will enhance India's deterrent posture as the Indo-Pacific landscape becomes increasingly contested.
India’s sea-based nuclear leg is vital for maintaining a credible second-strike capability, leveraging the security provided by underwater platforms to ensure retaliatory strike options remain viable. The advanced S5 SSBNs will safeguard India's deterrence capability well into the future, securing the nation’s strategic interests.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced or no information from this article should be used without written permission of theigmp.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copyright strikes, if we find same informations or the entire article without our permission, we will take necessary action.
No comments: