Indian PM to launch first indigenous N-sub trials on July 26

New Delhi, July 18 (PTI) Marking its entry into an
elite club, India will launch its first indigenous nuclear-
powered submarine at Vishakapatnam sea port for trial on July
26.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will launch the
submarine at the Vishakapatnam port in the presence of top
Defence and Navy officials, Chief Minister of southern state
of Andhra Pradesh, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy told reporters here
Saturday.

Code-named Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), India has
been quite secretive about its nuclear submarine project.

To be christened INS Arihant (destroyer of enemies),
the nuclear submarine is among the five in the class already
approved by the government to create a strong nuclear
submarine fleet.

The sea trial of the 7,000-tonne submarine will be
conducted in the Bay of Bengal off Vishakapatnam, where the
vessel was constructed.

Once inducted, India will join the high league
comprising US, Russia, France and China, which have
capabilities to develop nuclear submarines.

The ATV will carry submarine-launched ballistic
missiles (SLBM). The DRDO is already working on a SLBM based
on a 3,500-km range Agni-III and had recently conducted tests
on the eastern coast.

The induction of ATV will help India to complete the
nuclear weapon triad, as envisaged under its nuclear doctrine,
that comprises of surface-launched, air-launched and
submarine-launched nuke-tipped missiles.

India had two decades ago operated a nuclear
submarine, christened INS Chakra, leased from Russia for three
years between 1989 and 1991.

Moscow will again lease out two Akula-class nuclear
submarines to New Delhi for 10 years. The plans, though, have
been delayed due to a mishap involving the Akula-II during sea
trials late last year.

But hopes have soared for the delivery of the first of
the Akula submarines after Russia took out the repaired vessel
once again for sea trials early this month. PTI NCB
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