Chinese Nuclear Sub Spotted at Pakistani Port
A Chinese nuclear-powered submarine was reportedly docked at a port in Pakistan, raising concerns across the border in India that it could have been monitoring the movement of its warships more closely than ever, reported NDTV.
Showing an image on Google Earth of Chinese nuclear attack submarine docked in the harbour in Karachi in May last year, the report proved that Beijing might be scrutinizing Indian warships’ movements far more closely than earlier.
The image was of Chinese navy type 091 "Han" class fast-attack submarine, the first class of nuclear-powered submarines deployed by China.
The report said the Indian Navy has pointed out that "advance military assets" like submarines aren't "appropriate" for taking on Somali pirates who terrorise the seas in "small skiffs".
Unlike conventional submarines, nuclear-powered submarines have an unlimited range of operations since their nuclear reactors rarely require to be refuelled.
That means the submarines, which are armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles, can be deployed underwater for extended durations where they are difficult to track.
Speaking on the presence of the Chinese Navy's ships and submarines in Pakistan in December last year, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had said that India was keeping a close eye on them.
"We have capability and assets to take on any force which is deployed, and if and when this happens, we have plans in place to tackle it," the Navy Chief had said.
