India has taken steps to counter China’s military strength extension by deciding to construct two next-generation nuclear submarines. The estimated cost of building these submarines is approximately 450 billion rupees (US$5.4 billion).
India’s Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved a new submarine construction plan during a high-level meeting. The submarines will be built at a state-owned shipyard in Visakhapatnam, located in southern India. Defense company Larsen & Toubro is also set to participate in the project. While the government has pre-approved two of the six submarines, details on the construction timeline have yet to be released.
India has been steadily enhancing its nuclear submarine capabilities. In August, it commissioned the 8,000-ton Arighaat nuclear submarine, following the commissioning of the Arihant in 2016, as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its defense.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Security also approved a plan to purchase the U.S. company General Atomics, which produces 31 MQ-9B long-range drones that can fly for about 48 hours and carry a maximum weight of 1700 kilograms (3,700 pounds). Analysts view this acquisition as part of efforts to counter China’s military presence, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
India is a member of the Quad security alliance, formed with the U.S., Australia, and Japan to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Only a handful of nations, including the U.S., China, Russia, and France, possess the capability to produce nuclear submarines.
Australia is also advancing its nuclear submarine program through the AUKUS military alliance with the U.S. and the U.K. Both India and Australia see these moves as strategic measures to respond to China’s military threats.
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