India today inducted the Russian-origin nuclear-powered submarine ‘Nerpa’ into the Navy, joining the elite league of nations having such sophisticated warships.
The Defence Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, formally commissioned the Akula II class Nerpa, rechristened ‘INS Chakra’, into the Navy at the Ship Building Complex here.
“INS Chakra will ensure security and sovereignty of the country,” Mr Antony said after commissioning the vessel.
India has earlier leased and operated a Charlie Class Russian nuclear submarine from 1988 for training its personnel on such warships.
With the induction of INS Chakra, India has joined the elite group of nations with nuclear-power submarines after a gap of two decades.
With INS Chakra and the indigenous INS Arihant expected to start operational patrols soon, India will soon have two nuclear submarines guarding its vast maritime boundaries.