Article Posted on : - Jul 09, 2009

A file photo of INS Chakra.

NEW DELHI (BNS): Giving fillip to its naval power, India is planning to launch its maiden indigenous nuclear-powered submarine for sea trials within a month, according to agency reports here.

The Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) is among the five approved by the Government for creation of a nuclear submarine fleet.

The 7,000-tonne submarine will undergo sea trials in the Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam by August 15, sources were quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Once inducted in the Navy, India will join the high league comprising the US, Russia and China which have capabilities to develop nuclear submarines.

The ATV will be equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles which were recently tested on the eastern coast by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

The induction of the ATV will help India complete the nuclear weapon triad, as envisaged in its nuclear doctrine.

The country had operated a nuclear submarine two decades ago. Christened INS Chakra, it was leased from Russia for three years between 1989 and 1991.

Moscow is scheduled to deliver an Akula-class nuclear submarine on a 10-year lease to New Delhi by this year end.