Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
Indian Navy to prioritize S5 SSBN and P-75I, P-76 conventional submarines over SSN program
With the two Arihant class nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) already operational and the last two submarines of the class the S4 and S4-star submarines is nearing completion, India is now shifting its focus to the much larger 13,000 ton next generation S5-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) that are currently in the advanced stages of development so that the first submarine is introduced by 2031.
As per defence sources, Indian Navy is interested and focused towards the Project-75I and Project-76 conventional submarine projects in which Indian Navy plans to acquire 6 and 12 submarines respectively. Stressing its focus towards these submarines by Indian Navy is because these will be AIP-equipped submarines that can play similar role like nuclear attack submarines at some extent at a much cheaper cost while the SSN project still needs time for research and development.
The plan to acquire 3 indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarines might be pushed to around 2035 as work on initial design is likely to complete by 2026 and construction will take around 7 years and the first submarine will be ready for sea trials around 2035.
