Now Reading: US Navy plans multi-domain payload launchers for submarines
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US Navy plans multi-domain payload launchers for submarines
The Times of India reports that the US Navy's Director of Submarine Programs has outlined requirements for payload launchers capable of supporting a wider variety of payloads, including undersea drones and advanced…
The Story in Brief
The Times of India reports that the US Navy's Director of Submarine Programs has outlined requirements for payload launchers capable of supporting a wider variety of payloads, including undersea drones and advanced munitions. This integration, part of the Next-Generation Attack Submarine programme SSN(X), will turn Virginia-class submarines into multi-domain platforms. Block V boats with the Virginia Payload Module will carry up to 40 Tomahawk missiles, distributing firepower across more hulls for greater flexibility and survivability.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy operates 16 conventional submarines across three classes, with delays in the Project-75I programme for six to nine Type-214 boats with AIP. Three Arihant-class nuclear submarines are already in service, carrying K-4 and K-5 missiles, and work is underway on larger S5-class boats expected to deploy K-6 missiles with ranges beyond 5,000 km.
The Indian Opinion
The US Navy's push for multi-domain submarines highlights a widening technological gap, but Indian readers should not panic. India already operates a credible nuclear triad with Arihant-class boats and is developing indigenous AIP for conventional submarines. The real test is whether Project-75I delays will be resolved or if India will lean on indigenous designs like the S5-class. Watch the induction timeline for AIP-equipped Kalvari submarines, that number will settle the debate on India's undersea modernisation pace.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
