According to a report by journalist Sandeep Unnithan for ChakranewZ, Russia is scheduled to deliver an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine to the Indian Navy by 2028, marking a major step towards bolstering India’s naval firepower. The submarine, which was supposed to be delivered in 2025 as part of a $3 billion intergovernmental agreement signed in 2019, has been delayed because of logistical and technical issues.
India’s underwater warfare capabilities will be strengthened at a time when strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific is becoming more intense with the anticipated replacement of the now-retired INS Chakra, which was leased from Russia between 2012 and 2022. The new submarine will be fitted with the cutting-edge 3M14K Kalibr (SS-N-30A) cruise missile, which will significantly increase the strike range from the 500–600 km variant that was originally planned to 1,500–2,000 km.
The 3M14K missile variant, which is a member of the export-focused Club missile family, greatly improves the submarine’s capacity to carry out long-range precision strikes from below, more effectively addressing threats that are located on land or at sea. This supports India’s larger efforts to update its fleet and maintain a strong position of deterrence in the region.
Known for their speed, stealth, and ability to adapt, Akula-class submarines are some of the most advanced nuclear attack submarines in the world. Equipped with cruise missiles and torpedoes, they are designed for deep strike missions, anti-surface operations, and anti-submarine warfare. The new platform will be an addition to India’s existing underwater fleet, which consists of two domestic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, including the INS Arihant, and conventional Scorpene-class submarines.
Since it did not name specific reasons for the delay, the report indicates to the fact that technical difficulties, disruptions in the global supply chain, or geopolitical limitations are often the cause of such delays. The revised delivery timeline may also have been affected by Russia’s ongoing defence production demands and international military commitments. In response to China’s growing naval presence and self-confidence throughout the Indo-Pacific, the acquisition is seen as a crucial component of India’s maritime strategy.
The acquisition is viewed as a critical element of India’s maritime strategy in response to China’s expanding naval footprint and assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific region.
The upgraded Akula-class submarine armed with long-range Kalibr missiles is a game-changer for India’s underwater combat capability. It strengthens deterrence, extends India’s maritime reach, and underlines New Delhi’s ambition to become a true blue-water navy in the coming decade.
Read More: India Got Independence on August 15 — So Why Does Pakistan Celebrate on August 14?
Ricciardo’s Future Uncertain as He Chooses Calm Over Chaos in F1 Update
Man United Edge Past Fiorentina in Penalty Shootout After 1-1 Draw
