Nuclear Submarine Joins India's Eastern Fleet

Nuclear powered INS Chakra, on 10-year lease from Russia, inducted to the Eastern Fleet of Indian Navy

China enjoys military advantages on the land frontier, India’s ability to choke Chinese shipping at straits like Malacca and Hormuz constitutes a powerful strategic lever says Indian Military online.

Defence Minister AK Antony said: "INS Chakra would no doubt play a major role in reshaping maritime operations of the Indian Navy in the years to come and ensure security, sovereignty and economic prosperity of the country."

The 8,140-tonne INS Chakra vessel can be equipped with four 533mm and four 650mm torpedo tubes.

The Russian-built Chakra has a maximum speed of 30 knots (30-35 kts dived) and can operate at a maximum depth of 600m, having on board a crew of 73.

As it is nuclear-powered, this submarine emits very low levels of sound while operating underwater, making it difficult to detect by enemy warships and helicopters.

The Akula II-class submarines have a strike range of 3,000km and are armed with 28 nuclear-capable cruise missiles, whereas the Indian version is expected to be integrated with the 300km Club nuclear-capable missiles.