INS Chakra's fate hangs in balance as Russia mulls disposal amid financial constraints

The Indian Navy's leased nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra, faces an uncertain future as Russia considers disposal due to financial constraints. The submarine, plagued by accidents, was first damaged in 2017 and experienced a second mishap in 2020. Recent reports suggest the Main Command of the Navy recommends disposal rather than repair and modernization. 

INS Chakra, formerly K-152 Nerpa, is an 8,140-tonne nuclear-powered attack submarine, part of the Project 971 (Akula-class) in the Indian Navy's service. Construction began in Russia in 1993 but faced delays due to funding issues. India stepped in, sponsoring further construction and sea trials. Launched in October 2008, Nerpa joined the Russian Navy in 2009. Leased to the Indian Navy in 2011, it was commissioned as INS Chakra in 2012. In hindsight, INS Chakra suffered damage to its sonar dome in 2017 while entering the harbor in Visakhapatnam. 

The subsequent repair cost, quoted at $20 million, included fabricating replacement panels and shipping them to India. After a successful repair, the submarine was reportedly deployed in search operations after the Balakot airstrike in 2019. In April 2020, a high-pressure air cylinder explosion caused further damage to INS Chakra, leading India to end the submarine lease prematurely. Emergency repairs were conducted by Indian specialists, and the submarine made a surface transition to Vladivostok in 2021. Recently, in June 2021, Chakra was seen in the Singapore Strait, escorted by Indian and Russian warships, possibly en route to the Russian naval base in Vladivostok. 

SSN program and joint development 

The 8,140-tonne Nerpa, where INS Chakra originated, faced delays in construction due to funding issues. In 2000, India and Russia signed a lease agreement for Nerpa, with plans for a second submarine. The Nerpa's sea trials in 2008 were marred by a severe accident, causing casualties. 

India's expectations for a second SSN lease from Russia have not materialized, with concerns about INS Chakra's accidents and global geopolitical instability. Instead, India initiated Project 78A to build six SSNs at the secretive ship-building center in Visakhapatnam. Joint development discussions with France and Russia have been explored to address the Navy's operational requirements. 

The uncertain fate of INS Chakra raises questions about India's SSN program. Despite initial design phases, the project faces delays, and geopolitical factors influence decisions on joint development. The disposal proposal for INS Chakra underscores the challenges and complexities in managing leased submarines with a troubled operational history.