India Introduces First Nuclear Submarine

The 5 500 ton nuclear-powered Arihant, when inducted, will be capable of carrying 100 sailors and a wide range of torpedoes and ballistic missiles with medium striking range. Photo by warfare.ru

India's first nuclear-powered submarine capable of firing ballistic missiles have been launched Sunday.

The submarine, Arihant, the first of two similar submarines to be built, will undergo sea trials before its formal induction in 2015, defense officials said.

The project is part of a USD 2,9 B plan to build five submarines, delayed for years due to technical problems, officials said.

Experts say India is modernizing its armed forces and is focusing on improving its naval fleet with new ships and submarines to counter the strategic interest of China in the region.

India has 16 diesel-electric submarines of Russian and German origin, which are all 25-40 years old.

The 5 500 ton nuclear-powered Arihant, when inducted, will be capable of carrying 100 sailors and a wide range of torpedoes and ballistic missiles with medium striking range.