India to receive Nerpa submarine in May 2010

Vinay Shukla
Moscow, Dec 28 (PTI) India would receive its first new
generation Nerpa Akula-II class nuclear attack submarine by
March next year on a 10-year lease with the vessel being
inducted into the Russian Navy prior to its transfer.
The Nerpa submarine was Monday formally inducted into
the Russian Navy with the raising of St Andrews Flag, shipyard
officials said.
The commissioning of the submarine coincided with
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's visit to the region, but it
was not clear whether he was present at the ceremony.
The submarine will be subsequently leased to the
Indian Navy under the name INS Chakra in March under the USD
650 million for a 10-year lease.
The 12,000-ton K-152 Nerpa, an Akula II class
nuclear-powered attack submarine belongs to the class of the
quietest and deadliest of all Russian nuclear-powered attack
submarines.
The Nerpa was to be initially leased to the Indian
Navy in mid-2009, but its delivery was delayed due to a fatal
accident killing 21 crewmen and technical staff following the
release of lethal Freon gas in the sleeping quarters, while on
trial sailing in the Sea of Japan. (MORE) PTI