India activates atomic reactor for nuclear sub

NEW DELHI: India has activated the atomic reactor onboard its first indigenously designed and built nuclear submarine, paving the way for its deployment by the navy in the next two years. The first home-built nuclear submarine by the country is ready for sea trials in open waters, a step before it becomes fully operational, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced Saturday.
The prime minister said Saturday’s development represents a giant stride in the progress of India’s indigenous technological capabilities. It will be the first ballistic missile submarine to have been built outside the five recognized nuclear powers — the United States, France, Russia, Britain and China.
Rahul Bedi, an analyst for the independent Jane’s Information Group, said the submarine would now undergo sea trials. The vessel has been undergoing harbor trials in eastern India.
Last year, India acquired a Russian Nerpa nuclear submarine for its navy on a 10-year lease from Russia at a total cost of nearly $1 billion.
India unveiled the indigenous 6,000-ton INS Arihant (Destroyer of Enemies) in 2009 as part of a project to construct five nuclear armed vessels.
Singh described the development as “a giant stride in the progress of our indigenous technological capabilities” and said he hoped to see the submarine commissioned soon.
Arihant is powered by an 85-megawatt nuclear reactor and can reach 24 knots, according to defense officials. It will carry a 95-member crew.
The Indian navy inducted a Russian-leased nuclear submarine into service in April 2012, joining China, France, the United States, Britain and Russia in the elite club of countries with nuclear-powered vessels.
Nuclear submarines can function underwater without needing to surface regularly to be recharged, unlike their conventional diesel-electric counterparts.
India is due to receive the first of six Franco-Spanish diesel-electric Scorpene submarines in 2015, part of a multi-billion dollar project to modernize its navy.