After a 9,500 nautical mile journey from India, submarine INS Sindhuraj has reached Russia for a life extension refit that the Indian Navy is keen to execute at the earliest.
Designed to lurk underwater, INS Sindhuraj has spent a few weeks strapped on to a Heavy Load Carrier vessel for the long journey. Over the next two years, the submarine will be stripped down and rebuilt to modern standards, potentially making it fit serve for one more decade.
INS Sindhuraj on the back of Rolldock Storm
The INS Sindhuraj arrived at the Russian port town of Severodvinsk on 14 September. The Indian submarine travelled on board the Rolldock Storm, a Dutch vessel designed to haul heavy cargo around the world. The 3,000 ton submarine will be upgraded at the Zvyozdochka shipyard.
The second Kilo class submarine to be sent to Russia for a refit
The INS Sindhuraj is the second submarine of the Sindhughosh or Kilo class sent to Russia for a “second life extension”. The Sindhughosh class of submarines were inducted since 1986 and were watched closely by the West, given their advanced stealth capabilities. This undated photograph of the INS Sindhughosh was taken by a US spy plane.
INS Sindhuraj is one of the four submarines that will be refitted
The Indian Navy is looking to extend the total service life of four Kilo class submarines with a second refit. According to the contract signed with Russia in 2015, the life of each of the four submarines will be extended to a total of 35 years.
The Rolldock Storm has travelled 9,500 nautical miles with the sub
The refit of the four submarines has been valued at Rs 5,000 crore. The first of the submarines – INS Sindhukesari – was sent to Russia in 2016. The refit includes upgraded weapons, including the Klub land attack missiles. Several Indian-made systems like communication equipment and navigational aids will be integrated on the submarines.
INS Sindhuraj in Russia
Two more Indian submarines are to be upgraded. While there was initially a move to do this at an Indian yard, talks have not progressed. The shipyards that were in talks with Russia for taking on the work included Larsen and Toubro and the state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).