World

India trials their own nuclear submarine

by mudricky | July 26, 2009 at 09:47 am

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India have launched their own nuclear powered submarine, only the sixth nation to do so.

It is now in the water and they will trial it for two years as well as training staff on how it works before it becomes fully operational.

Another submarine, with help from Russia, is in production.

Before now only the US, Russia, France, Britain and China had the capability to build nuclear submarines.

NEW DELHI — India on Sunday launched the first nuclear-powered submarine built on its soil, asserting itself as a world power by joining just five other countries that can design and construct such vessels.
The 367-foot (112-meter) -long submarine, named "Arihant" or "Destroyer of Enemies," was sent for sea trials at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

It will be capable of launching nuclear weapons, said Rahul Bedi, an analyst with Jane's Defence Weekly.

That would complete India's strategic triad for nuclear weapons — giving it the ability to deliver them from the air, ground-based mobile platforms and the sea, he said.

Singh called the project a "historic milestone in the country's defense preparedness."

India is upgrading its armed forces as part of efforts to match its military strength with its growing economic and political clout. The plans include a proposed $9 billion purchase of 126 new fighter jets.

Singh insisted that the nation does not seek to threaten anyone.

"Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon us to take all measures necessary to safeguard our country and to keep pace with technological advancements worldwide," he said at the launching ceremony in the southern port city of Vishakhapatnam.