Navy plans 22 subs in 6 years

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 2

Aimed at countering a growing Chinese submarine fleet, India is reviewing its submarine action plan with an immediate target of having 22 underwater vessels by 2021-22.

The Navy is also looking at a new fighter jet for its aircraft carriers. It has found the naval version of the light combat aircraft (LCA) — presently being inducted by the IAF — “not powerful enough” to takeoff from the short runaway of the aircraft carriers.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, addressing a press conference in New Delhi today, said: “We would sort out the void of submarines by 2021-22 when the fleet will have 22 vessels.” “We are studying the long-term maritime capability plan and this review shall include submarines,” Admiral Lanba said.

The present plan to make 24 submarines by 2030 has not been enough as the first sub under the plan — the Kalvari — is slated to be commissioned early next year. India currently has 14 submarines: nine Kilo-class (EKMs), four German-designed HDWs (SSKs) and one Akula class nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) on a 10-year lease from Russia (since 2012).

In comparison, China is rapidly expanding its submarine fleet. The US Department of Defence, in its annual report to the US Congress, spells out the rise of China’s submarine fleet. The report, “Military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China 2016”, says: “The People’s Liberation Army Navy places a high priority on the modernisation of its submarine force and presently possesses 61 vessels. By 2020, this force will likely grow to between 69 and 78 submarines.”

On the LCA Tejas, the Admiral said: “It is not yet up to the mark”, and the Navy is looking for a temporary replacement jet to launch off the carriers. The Navy will continue to back the DRDO on Tejas’ development. “The naval version of the LCA is heavier. When fully loaded, it does not have the required engine thrust,” the Navy Chief said. The available runaway on aircraft carriers is 250-275 m. At the moment, MiG-29K would operate from INS Vikrant, but another fighter jet would be required within the next five years.