India Approves Building Nuclear Attack Subs, Buying MQ-9B Drones
The Indian government has approved the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) and the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US, according to Indian media reports.
Submarine construction will take place at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam for 450 billion Indian rupees ($5.36 billion), Asian News International reported, citing sources.
Indian shipbuilders will be involved in the project, with four more underwater vessels planned for the future under the Advanced Technology Vessel project.
India’s Nuclear Powered Submarines
India is separately building nuclear attack ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) under the 900 billion Indian rupees ($11 billion) Advanced Technology Vessel project.
Two Arihant-class SSBNs have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy, with three more planned for construction.
The smaller SSN lacks ballistic missiles in its arsenal and is deployed for speed and maneuverability. These submarines are used for short-range attack, surveillance, and intelligence missions.
MQ-9B Drones
Meanwhile, India will buy two variants of the General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft: 16 SkyGuardian and 15 SeaGuardian high-altitude, long-endurance drones.
The US State Department approved the $4 billion sale in February, which was followed by a clearance from India’s Defence Acquisition Council in June.
The aircraft will be assembled in India and are projected to enhance the Indian Armed Forces’ surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The US sale approval also includes 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and 310 GBU-39B/B laser small diameter bombs, suggesting the aircraft’s possible kinetic role.
