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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Russia denies rumours of leasing two nuclear submarines to India |
| 2007-03-19 |
| Russia's Federal Agency on Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) denied the rumors published by Indian newspapers that two nuclear submarines of project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO’s reporting name Shark) would be leased to India. However, it is noteworthy that there have been too many technical details in the published rumors which make it possible to assume that “there is no smoke without fire”, as they say in Russia. In particular, Indian sources claim that India and Russia have already signed the leasing agreement on the delivery of the two subs, having indicated even the sum of the contract - $ 350 million ($35 million for one submarine annually). Allegedly the contract was signed on January, 26th, 2007 during the visit of the President of the Russian Federation V.Putin to New Delhi. Of course, officials confirm such deals only after they really take place. In spite of the official denial there are few facts that are too obvious to deny. First of all the work on the subs the construction of which had been suspended many years ago and they were “conserved” till better days has been resumed. Secondly it is out of the question to assume that these relatively old submarines could be built for the Russian Navy, which badly awaits new models. And finally India has the precedent of using leased Russian nuclear sub (project 670-A K-43 renamed into Chakra, 1988-1991). So logically it is very easy to assume that the breakthrough in the Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation includes also this point. There are enough representatives of the industry and politicians in Russia who would favor such a deal with India. With no official confirmation this matter remains as a test for analytical abilities of different observers. At the moment it looks that there are more “for” points than “against”. It is, probably, more easy to predict high chances of the Russian diesel subs (Amur-1650) in the Indian market. In 2005 India bough license manufacturing of 6 French Scorpen subs. This year New Delhi is going to announce the tender on delivering six more subs of the same class. Keeping in mind the policy of India to diversify the suppliers of arms it is quite predictable that Amurs, which are at least as good as Scorpens, are number one choice. |
| Posted by:John Frum |
| #7 Doh! Whease Flolump5086 was me. Sumbitchin' cookie monster. Apparently suffering from early morning confusion between the Akula and the other starts-with-an-A sub, the titanium hulled Alpha. Thanks for the correction, OP. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2007-03-19 16:38 |
| #6 Looks like the Akulas will have company in 3-4 years (after fitting out and sea trials) India launches 1st nuclear submarine later this year India is set to launch its first nuclear submarine later this year which if successful will put the country in an extremely exclusive club. The project codenamed the Advanced Technology Vessel has been crawling since the 1970s. Reports now indicate that India has overcome the biggest problem or miniaturisation of a nuclear power plant that is to be mounted on a submarine hull. There are whispers of Russian assistance with the mini nuclear plant that has been reportedly tested and validated at Kalpakkam. The vessel will be launched in Vishakapatnam and sea trials for this submarine are slated to begin by 2010, and are expected to be fully operational by 2012. The vessel displaces 6, 500 tonnes and can stay submerged for upto 100 days. Armed with guided missiles, it will have a crew of 70 people. The last time the Indian Navy operated a nuclear submarine was in the late 1980s, when it leased a Russian Charlie class vessel. India is also in negotiations to acquire two Russian-made nuclear submarines of the Akula class. |
| Posted by: John Frum 2007-03-19 15:57 |
| #5 lol glenmore, how very true, and given the all the shit india buys from the us why not try out one of our maybe not new but older model subs.I just don't think you get me on a Russian anything! |
| Posted by: sinse 2007-03-19 15:26 |
| #4 WS5086 - the "Akula" class fast attack submarine is not only very fast, it's very quiet - one of the quietest submarines Russia has every built. They would be a SUBSTANTIAL increase in the technological capabilities of the Indian navy, and would make ANYONE in the region very uncomfortable - especially China. I think this is a direct reaction to the possibility of Chinese Navy vessels having port access to Pakistani military ports. Someone just used a knight to take the opponent's queen - WITHOUT a sacrifice. |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2007-03-19 14:12 |
| #3 I'd much rather see Russian nuke boats with Indian crews than Russian nuke boats with Russian crews, given the way things have been going in Russia lately. |
| Posted by: Mike 2007-03-19 10:25 |
| #2 The NATO name for Project 971 boats is Akula which mean shark. Not to be confused with the Russian Akula that NATO calls Typhoon. General purpose attack sub. If memory serves, they were famous for being fast and noisy. Nuke boats are blue water boats. I bet China is more interested in this than Pakistan. |
| Posted by: Whease Flolump5086 2007-03-19 09:39 |
| #1 The phrase “there is no smoke without fire” when discussing Russian submarines may not be the most comforting choice of words. I wonder what Pakistan thinks of this 'rumor'? |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2007-03-19 08:45 |