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By The Study IAS

Oct 11, 2024

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INDIA – USA Sign Nuclear attack Submarines & Drones Deal

Context:

Recently the Cabinet Committee on Security approved two major deals: the purchase of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from General Atomics (U.S.) and the indigenous construction of two Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSNs).

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India’s Indigenous SSBN and SSN Programs

Previous Success with SSBNs:

India has indigenously manufactured nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

INS Arihant: Commissioned in 2016
INS Arighaat : Commissioned in August 2024

SSN Project:

First Indigenous SSN: The new SSN project is a follow-up to the SSBN program, vital for the Navy’s operational needs due to its unlimited endurance (limited only by crew).
Leased SSNs:India has previously leased SSNs from Russia, with a third SSN expected to join service in 2-3 years after delays.

SSN Proposal:The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the indigenous construction of two Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSNs).
MQ-9B UAV Deal:

The deal for 31 MQ-9B HALE UAVs is for all three services.
Offset Obligations: General Atomics will establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved amendments to include indigenous content in the MQ-9B deal.

Significance of CCS-Cleared Deals:

Indigenous SSN Project:
- Strategic Importance: Boosts India’s naval strength with unlimited endurance submarines, critical for maritime security and long-term missions.
- Self-Reliance: Advances India’s indigenous defence capabilities, following the success of nuclear-powered SSBNs.
MQ-9B UAV Deal:
- Enhanced Capabilities: Strengthens India’s surveillance and precision strike capabilities across all three services (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Local Manufacturing: Includes offset obligations with a U.S.-based MRO facility in India, promoting technology transfer and job creation.
Geopolitical Impact:
- U.S.-India Ties: Reinforces the growing defence partnership, enhancing India’s military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
- Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing: Supports Make in India with increased indigenous content and local production.
- Strengthens India’s Strategic autonomy : India leasing SSN from RUSSIA and now developing indigenous SSN with help of USA shows India’s Balancing Power.