Nuke attack submarine Chakra inducted

By IDR News Network

Issue | Date : 11 Apr , 2012

INS Chakra, a nuclear powered attack submarine of the Akula class was formally inducted into the Indian Navy by Defence Minister AK Antony on 4 Apr 12, at Visakhapatnam, in the presence of MoS MM Pallam Raju, Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. Earlier, she was welcomed on arrival at Visakhapatnam following a long and arduous voyage post commissioning at Russia (by the CNS and the FOCINC, ENC). By reviving the capability to operate technically complex nuclear submarines through this induction, India joined an elite league of six nations that boast of this distinction. The induction ceremony was also attended by His Excellency, Mr Alexander M Kadakin, Russian Ambassador to India, high ranking officials from the Navy, Dept of Atomic Energy and the Russian Federation.

The Indian Navy commenced operating submarines in 1967, and in a short span of twenty years, graduated to operating nuclear submarines, when it leased a Soviet Charlie Class submarine, also named Chakra, between 1988 and 1991. In true naval tradition, the legacy continues with the new Chakra, in a much more modern and sophisticated avatar. Commissioned on 23 Jan 12 at Vladivostok, Russia, INS Chakra is a submariners’ dream-come-true, with deadly fire power, tremendous sustained speeds and practically unlimited endurance. She will be the lethal ‘hunter-killer’ of enemy submarines and ships, and can also provide effective protection to fleet units. The Navy will also use Chakra to train its men in the intricate art of operating the nuclear submarines.

By reviving the capability to operate technically complex nuclear submarines through this induction, India joined an elite league of six nations that boast of this distinction.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Nirmal Verma said that induction of INS Chakra is a major step towards a strong and versatile Navy, as mandated by the regional maritime security environment, and in keeping with the balanced growth of the Indian Navy in all three dimensions, thereby augmenting capability through acquisition of such ‘Force Multipliers’. He expressed confidence that INS Chakra would increase the Navy’s operational flexibility and help maintain a credible presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), contributing towards effective Blue Water operations by the Indian Navy.

Stating that Chakra’s arrival reflected the high level of cooperation and strategic partnership between India and Russia, Shri Antony said that over the years, the IOR has assumed great strategic significance, as it is home to large population and some of the most dynamic and fast growing economies, with India as the geo-strategic hub. He emphasised that for peace and stability in the region, it is imperative that the Indian Navy maintains a strong and credible presence that whilst not being directed against any nation, will act as a stabilising force and protect our strategic interests.

Towards this end, he said that the INS Chakra would no doubt play a major role in re-shaping maritime operations of the Indian Navy in the years to come, and ensure security, sovereignty and economic prosperity of the country. He underlined that INS Chakra symbolises both the success of the Russian submarine building capability and of the Indian Navy’s competence in exploitation of technologically complex platforms. He congratulated the Indian Navy for successfully inducting INS Chakra, and also extended heartiest congratulations to the Commanding Officer of INS Chakra and the crew for their painstaking efforts during the challenging phases of training, acceptance and passage to India.

…INS Chakra would increase the Navy’s operational flexibility and help maintain a credible presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), contributing towards effective Blue Water operations by the Indian Navy.

Belonging to the ‘Attack’ or ‘SSN’ genre of submarines, INS Chakra is commanded by Captain P Ashokan, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and the Naval War College. Captain Ashokan has command experience of two Kilo Class submarines besides operational experience of over 25 years.

With a displacement of over 12000 tons, INS Chakra, powered by a 190 MW reactor has a maximum submerged speed of over 30 knots (55 kmph) and operating depths of over 500 m. The submarine is manned by 80 crew members. Chakra is equipped with a array of tactical missiles, cutting edge Fire Control Systems, sonars, contemporary optronic periscopes, communication and surveillance systems that give her a phenomenal operational flexibility and lethal potency.

With the extremely robust and reliable conventional Sindhughosh and Shishumar Class submarines also in its arsenal, the Indian Navy now has a nuclear submarine to enhance its overall underwater capability. The name ‘Chakra’ is evocative of its relevance as the ultimate weapon coveted by any nation. Following its induction into the Indian Navy, INS Chakra will operate under the control of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.