New Delhi (Staff Correspondent), November 15: During the World War I, SM U-35 navigated through the Mediterranean Sea as a symbol of terror. The SM U-35, considered one of the most lethal and successful submarines ever used in a war, had become a nightmare for the German opponents. And hence it was Germany that became was the first country to employ submarines in war as substitutes for surface commerce raiders.
Looked back from today, the submarines were a major factor in naval warfare in World War I and World War II. They have very effectively been used in military conflicts to hide warfare, as a tool of subterfuge, and as a nuclear deterrent.
Due to this, almost all countries capable of ideating and producing a vehicle as massive as a submarine, have jumped into the race of mass production to outnumber their rivals with this lethal weapon in their artillery.
But why does it matter so much?
Submarines are unique among warships because they can propel themselves both underwater and on the surface. Nuclear submarines even have a performance advantage over conventional submarines because they don’t need to surface as often as the conventional ones. This makes them more sought after machines in the war.
Also, why submarines are a key part of naval warfare strategy because they can attack enemy surface ships and other submarines, at the same time protect their own aircraft carriers and friendly merchant ships, which helps in influencing the movement of their rivals.
Given today’s technology, while stealth submarines can be used for stealth operations to gather intelligence and reconnaissance, there are nuclear submarines that can fire long-range nuclear missiles without surfacing and then there are surveillance submarines which can gather intelligence by monitoring global hotspots and chokepoints.
As an added advantage, submarines, with the help of advancing technology have been made capable of using mines, torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles to block enemy naval formations.
In context of India, the country has gone way ahead of many of its competitors when it comes to adding submarines to its naval fleet. India at present has a fleet of 16 submarines of which some are of Russian and German origin too. One of the prime members of that collection stands out with the name of INS Arihant, where INS stands for Indian Naval Ship.
This was India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). It was developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel program – a 25-year program to design and build nuclear-powered submarines for the Indian Navy.
Then comes INS Arighaat, another of India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine that patrols the Indo-Pacific region and dominates that region for the country.
INS Aridhaman is another significant name that will soon join the fleet of India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. But other than these, India’s fourth nuclear-powered SSBN, which was launched in October 2024, and is bigger and more capable than INS Arihant, has a significant amount of indigenous content. This also becomes a symbol of India’s Atma Nirbharta not only in the development of submarine technology indigenously but also in the area of core defence modernisation.
Further, India is expected to lease a second Akula-class nuclear attack submarine from Russia by 2028 which is expected to bolster India’s defence line up in the maritime security.
But when we talk of India, maritime challenges are not limited to war, terrorism and security related challenges. Trade becomes one of the most important factors here. And Indian submarines have been playing a crucial role in safeguarding the Indo Pacific region, from where almost half of all global trade passes through. And since the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is vulnerable to threats due to its strategic significance, it is the role of the Indian Navy to protects Indian and foreign merchant ships and shipping routes in the Indian Ocean region. This is where the dominance of submarines come into the picture.
India’s ability to launch strategic nuclear delivery systems from land, air, and sea makes it a threat for illicit traders and attackers. Further, the INS Arighaat, the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine that patrols these key trade regions has boosted the country’s nuclear triad.
What remains India’s challenge is that its submarine fleet is shrinking and most of its submarines are over 25 years old. However, the ministry of defence is working on some projects to address the constraints that have contributed to the country’s declining fleet size. India is even considering offers from both Navantia and TKMS to build submarines for the project. It is also collaborating with its friendly peers for sharing of technology and increased production.
But in today’s time, submarines use is not limited to fighting and winning wars. They are also used for scientific and recreational purposes, such as exploring the ocean floor and conducting search and rescue operations.
Such usages, underlined as civilian use, may include study of marine life by scientists, salvage, deep sea exploration, facility inspection and maintenance in oceans, for search and rescue missions as and when needed, at times also for carrying out undersea cable repair works, even for tourism and for undersea archaeology.
It is this diversification that a submarine offers which makes its role important for any country focused on growing its trade and technology. India too remains committed towards not only upgrading its submarine game but also to ensure it is a leap ahead of its rivals in the submarines race.
