Article Posted on : - Dec 28, 2009

Akula class nuclear attack submarine of Russia. A File photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia has successfully completed sea trials of its Nerpa nuclear attack submarine which had met with a fatal accident in November last year, according to a media report.

The K-152 Nerpa, an Akula II class nuclear-powered attack submarine met with an accident on November 8 last year. 20 people, including 17 technical staff of the shipyard and sub-contractors died, when its on-board fire safety system went off and a poisonous gas released in the sleeping quarters. The submarine was undergoing sea trials in the Sea of Japan.

The repairs took place at the Amur shipyard's Vostok in Russia, as estimated budget of 65 million dollars was spent on the repair work, the vessel successfully carried its final sea trial.

According to the Russian website Ria Novosti sources,"A state commission has concluded that judging by the results of all trials the Nerpa nuclear submarine is ready to enter service with the Russian Navy."

India Navy will receive the Russian Submarine under the name of INS Chakra. Russia is delivering the Akula-II Class nuclear attack submarine to the Indian Navy on a 10-year lease.

The induction of the Nerpa class submarine would reintroduce the nuclear vessel handling technology to the Indian Navy.