S-72 Chakra SSN (fomerly K-152 Nepra)
On March 7, India and Russia signed a US$3 billion deal for the lease of a third nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), which could be in Indian waters by 2025 at the earliest, The Print reported citing defense sources.
The Akula-class submarine, which would be named Chakra III by the Indian Navy, should be refurbished and fitted with indigenous communication systems and sensors before it can enter service with the Indian Navy.
The exact lease period of the new submarine is unknown, but th report speculates that it will be in service with India for at least 10 years.
“Severodvinsk in 2014, and sources said Russia will need to do extensive work to make it fit for operation again, including re-activation of the nuclear reactor that powers it and the installation and integration of Indian systems. In that sense, it will be just like a new vessel.
A large team from India will be in Russia as part of the project, and the experience gained is expected to come in handy for the indigenous SSBN programme.
The other Chakras
Sources said negotiations are also on to extend the lease of Chakra II, which ends next year. Since the new submarine is only likely to arrive by 2025 at the earliest, both sides are looking to extend the Chakra II lease for at least five more years, sources said. Chakra II was inducted in 2012. The original INS Chakra initially came to India on a three-year lease starting in 1988.” The Print reported.
Russia is one of key partners of India in the field of military technical cooperation. Previously, New Delhi signed with Moscow a series of orders, including the one for the S-400 Triumf air defence system, and the joint manufacturing of AK-203 rifles in India.
