posted on Jun, 8 2010 @ 08:07 AM
reply to post by Schaden
It is a nuclear ballistic missile submarine and so it is most definitely required to 'deter' other nuclear powers from conducting a pre-emptive
nuclear first strike due to the fact that it can still execute an effective second strike capability. Note that Pakistan (or Iran, doubt Iran is a foe
to India though) do not have the qualitative or quantitative capability to conduct a successful pre- emptive first strike (conventional or nuclear) on
India to cripple its nuclear capability.
Hence it would seem that this boat (and its siblings/successors) are intended for more formidable foe(s), mainly the likes of China.
The current SLBM reach is a mere 750km, so it would need to get in and around (patrol area 1000km off major cities?) the Eastern Chinese shorelines
if any effective deterrence is to be achieved.
So if it does not meet that job profile, its not quite there yet. Upgrades on the SLBM range (a must) and possibly on the acoustic signature seem to
be the way to go.
For the uninitiated who seem to be unimpressed with the bad metal work on the outside; yes it does look shabby though I'm no sub expert so I'd wait
for the likes of OT1999 to comment, but that is not the important bit. The important bit is that the Indians have apparently achieved the ability to
miniaturize nuclear reactors such that they can be fit into subs, a capability though existing for almost half a century, is only achieved by the big
5.
In addition to this boat, upto 4 (realistically 2?) sister vessels are planned, and an Akula II class SSN is being leased by the same navy for 10
years starting next year. Thus, projecting capabilities into this decade, the Indian nuclear submarine force aims to be a key player in the IoR and
possibly even the ASEAN regions.