India is building powerful new submarines to protect its oceans. Called Project-77, this plan will create nuclear-powered attack submarines that can work with underwater robots.
These submarines will be made mostly in India and will help the Navy stay strong against threats, specifically from China in the Indian Ocean.
This project is a big step for India’s defence and shows how the country is using smart technology to lead in future sea battles.
Project-77 Submarine Program: India’s Big Step in Naval Power
India is taking a major step forward in boosting its naval power by the launch of Project-77 as this project focuses on building powerful, nuclear-powered attacksubmarines (SSNs) right here in India.
On October 9, 2024, the Indian government’s top security body, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), gave the green light to build two submarines first. Over time, India plans to build a total of six submarines under this project by the mid-2030s. These submarines are being designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. One of the most exciting features? They’ll be equipped to work alongside unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), robotic submarines, like the 20-ton JALKAPI-XLUUV. This new manned-unmanned team setup will put India among the world leaders in modern undersea warfare. This plan isn’t new. It was first thought of in the late 1990s as a response to the increasing threat from China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean. Back then, it was called Project-75 Alpha. In 2015, the CCS approved the idea to build six nuclear-powered attack submarines. And now, in 2024, the first two submarines finally got the go-ahead, with an estimated cost of Rs.40,000 crore (about $4.7 billion). Each submarine will be powered by a 190 MW nuclear reactor developed by BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre). These are massive submarines, almost 10,000 tons in weight and able to reach speeds of over 30 knots (56 km/h). Even more impressive: 95% of the submarine will be made with Indian parts, making it a proud symbol of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission. These submarines won’t just sneak around underwater, but they’ll be ready for: Hunting enemy submarines (Anti-submarine warfare) Destroying enemy ships (Anti-surface warfare) Spying and gathering intelligence (ISR) Launching attacks (Strike missions) Laying and detecting underwater mines (Mine warfare) They’re also expected to feature advanced propulsion systems, possibly using quiet and efficient pump-jet technology, inspired by French designs. Their stealth technology, like natural cooling systems, will make them very hard to detect — even by the most advanced enemies like China’s Type-093B submarines. What truly sets Project-77 apart is the way it mixes manned submarines with unmanned underwater drones (UUVs). These submarines will act like underwater motherships. They’ll control and deploy UUVs like the JALKAPI-XLUUV, which will handle dangerous missions such as scouting enemy waters or fighting enemy ships, all without putting the main submarine at risk. This concept is inspired by the “loyal wingman” model in the Air Force, where fighter jets fly alongside drones. This model helps the submarine stay hidden while the UUVs do the risky jobs in the sea The JALKAPI-XLUUV is India’s next-gen unmanned underwater vehicle. It’s packed with high-tech sensors like: Flank array and towed sonar (to detect other submarines) Electro-optical/infrared cameras (to “see” under the sea) It can be used for spying, fighting submarines, attacking ships, or finding mines. It can operate on its own or be remotely controlled by the submarine. India currently has two aircraft carriers which are INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, and a third is under planning. Project-77 submarines will protect these carriers by hunting down enemy submarines, mines, or enemy UUVs before they get too close. This is especially important in the Indian Ocean Region, where China is expanding its naval influence, possibly building bases in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Myanmar. India isn’t alone in exploring this kind of technology. Countries like the U.S., China, and Russia are also developing large UUVs and manned-unmanned teams for submarine warfare. The U.S. Navy has projects like the Orca XLUUV and LDUUV, aimed at controlling key sea zones. China has developed Qianlong AUVs and built an “Underwater Great Wall” using underwater sensors and robots. India’s Project-77 shows that the country is keeping up with the global pace — and even setting new standards. The first submarine under Project-77 is expected to be ready for launch in the next 10 to 12 years - possibly by 2036-2037. The process is highly organized: Designing: Done in Gurugram Nuclear reactor: Built at Kalpakkam Hull (body) fabrication: Handled by L&T in Hazira Final assembly and sea trials: At SBC Visakhapatnam India already has experience from its Arihant-class nuclear submarines and leased submarines from Russia (like INS Chakra), which will help speed up the learning curve. Project-77 marks a giant leap in India’s naval power. By combining nuclear attack submarines with unmanned underwater technology, India is preparing to defend its seas more smartly and strongly. It’s not just about keeping up with the world but it’s about leading the future of underwater warfare.
