Indian Next Generation Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines

[haldilal]

Ya'll Nibbiars

 

[125mm_Smoothbore]

 

[fire starter]

 

[125mm_Smoothbore]

so we can have either 12 (less chances) ,14 ,16 ,18 (less chances) missile tubes

View attachment 409

 

[AGNI 6 ICBM]

S5 SSBN might have 14 K5/K6 SLBMS

 

[Pundit Pikachu]

India is situated in a difficult weapons of mass destruction (WMD) region. The fact that both of its nuclear-capable neighbours—China and Pakistan—are engaged in a secret and extensive nuclear cooperation framework adds to New Delhi’s difficulties.
Therefore, to create a robust nuclear deterrent, India has also embarked on developing the sea-leg of its nuclear triad, which is believed to be the least vulnerable and most survivable deterrence platform.
With the speculated launch of the fourth ballistic missile submarine of the Arihant-class which is capable of carrying 8 Submarine Launch Ballistic Missiles (SLBM), India’s SSBN programme is maturing into having a credible second-strike capability.

However It is not enough, We need more SSBNs for a powerful and effective deterrence.
With only 24 VLS tubes, which can only carry K15 or K4 non MIRVed SLBMs and can't target China or Pakistan from Safer Waters of Bay of Bengal or the wider Indian Ocean, it becomes all the more important that S5 class of submariners are prioritised and inducted in big enough numbers.

Currently It is speculated India is planning to construct 3 S5 class of SSBNs which will have 16 VLS cells each however it is still not enough and we need 2 more S5 class of SSBNs because of the following reasons

1. First two subs of the Arihant Class are pocket boomers and can't provide even good enough deterrence and will most likely be only used for crew training and relatively short deployments

2. First two subs of the Arihant Class are technologically old and relatively noisy and thus may be retired earlier

3. The VLS cells on the Arihant Class are relatively smaller limiting them to only carry non MIRVed Medium Range SLBMs, which basically means they can only be employed against Pakistan.

4. It is widely believed that for a permanent deterrence patrol one needs 4 SSBNs , with at least one sub on patrol, one preparing for patrol, one returning to port, and one in maintenance.

For Reference During the cold war, France had a fleet of six Redoutables class Submarine to maintain a CASD of two/three boats
If India Wishes to have a credible Sea based Deterrence against China 4 S5 class are a given with the extra 5th sub providing deterrence against Pakistan alongside the smaller and less capable S4 and S4* subs of the Arihant Class.

 

[Pundit Pikachu]

Here is a great research paper from US NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL on Indian SSBN, although the researcher is quite biased and very dismissive about India and it's Naval capabilities, it's nonetheless a good read

 

[Bleh]

View attachment 82

Old S5 model

New S5 model..

 

[darkflame]

s5 class

 

[silentassassin265]

Why we are making more ssbn when we need ssn, aren't 4 ssbn enough for the time being?

 

[Gessler]

Why we are making more ssbn when we need ssn, aren't 4 ssbn enough for the time being?

The SSBNs we have now are sub-optimal. They can represent credible survivable deterrence against Pakistan but not against China.

S5 are next-generation boats that will provide true deterrence against both China & Pak. They will replace the Arihant-class in the role completely, not supplement them.

As of now the plan is to pursue SSN & S5 SSBN programs simultaneously. That's why we're building a new dry dock facility at SBC.

 

[Bleh]

Why we are making more ssbn when we need ssn, aren't 4 ssbn enough for the time being?

If AShBMs are inducted then SSBNs will also have anti-ship capability. Arihant class will double as SSN only then

 

[Nutcracker]

The SSBNs we have now are sub-optimal. They can represent credible survivable deterrence against Pakistan but not against China.

S5 are next-generation boats that will provide true deterrence against both China & Pak. They will replace the Arihant-class in the role completely, not supplement them.

As of now the plan is to pursue SSN & S5 SSBN programs simultaneously. That's why we're building a new dry dock facility at SBC.

So could Arihant class be turned into SSGN with 12-16 in next decade.

 

[Gessler]

So could Arihant class be turned into SSGN with 12-16 in next decade.

Yes it's possible.

Maybe not BrahMos but very likely Nirbhay/ITCM if not upcoming Hypersonics.

It's likely that 5-6 Nirbhay can be carried in the VLS tubes meant for 3 K15s. That means 20-24 LACMs on Arihant/Arighaat and 40-48 LACMs on S4/S4*. We can only free them up for less demanding SSGN role after a corresponding S5 takes over each boat's critical deterrence role.

 

[silentassassin265]

Yes it's possible.

Maybe not BrahMos but very likely Nirbhay/ITCM if not upcoming Hypersonics.

It's likely that 5-6 Nirbhay can be carried in the VLS tubes meant for 3 K15s. That means 20-24 LACMs on Arihant/Arighaat and 40-48 LACMs on S4/S4*. We can only free them up for less demanding SSGN role after a corresponding S5 takes over each boat's critical deterrence role.

But it still won't have maneuverability of ssn right? Ssbn are built for deterrence and not for hunting other submarines

 

[Nutcracker]

But it still won't have maneuverability of ssn right? Ssbn are built for deterrence and not for hunting other submarines

SSNs are hunter killers,chasing and ambushing with torpedos. SSGN is like SSBN but they will deliver conventional surface to surface payload from unexpected location. 12-16 or 20-24 Nirbhay missiles can give a devastating blow. They can even target surface ships if coordinates are communicated via VLF radars.

 

[Gessler]

But it still won't have maneuverability of ssn right? Ssbn are built for deterrence and not for hunting other submarines

No, but it doesn't need maneuverability or speed to do SSGN role either. Because it'll be using missiles with standoff range (1000+ km) to strike targets.

 

[Bleh]

But it still won't have maneuverability of ssn right? Ssbn are built for deterrence and not for hunting other submarines

A cruise-missile armed SSGN won't need much maneuverability aka speed. They can lumber slow & stealthily to lob missiles at enemy ships or ground targets with AShBM/BraHmos/Nirbhay/Pralay.

 

[BON PLAN]

View attachment 82

A good russian look

 

[BON PLAN]

A cruise-missile armed SSGN won't need much maneuverability aka speed. They can lumber slow & stealthily to lob missiles at enemy ships or ground targets with AShBM/BraHmos/Nirbhay/Pralay.

Not sure.

Once you fired the first missile, the risk is to be discovered.
So in case of a salvo fire, the salvo has to be shorter as possible, and after that you hav to move away at a reasonnable speed (not too low so as not to be chase too easily, not too high to remain stealthy)