India Deploys INS Sindhukirti in the Red Sea to Counter Maritime Threats

Defense News ,India :- In response to increasing threats from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis and a surge in pirate activities, India has executed its largest naval deployment in the region, deploying over a dozen warships east of the Red Sea. The move aims to bolster maritime security and counter the rising incidents of hijackings and suspicious approaches by pirates since December 1. Among the strategic measures taken by the Indian Navy is the reintegration of INS Sindhukirti, a diesel-electric submarine, into active service to strengthen its capabilities both on the surface and underwater.

INS Sindhukirti: A Soviet-era Submarine with Modern Upgrades

Originally acquired from the Soviet Union in 1990, INS Sindhukirti, a third-kilo-class diesel-electric submarine, is undergoing a comprehensive transformation. Despite its age, the submarine is being equipped with the latest technologies, making it a formidable force on the battlefield. Similar submarines of this class have previously undergone successful refits, incorporating modern electronic systems, sensors, and weaponry.

Operational Capabilities and Role of INS Sindhukirti

Despite being slower than nuclear submarines, INS Sindhukirti possesses unique capabilities, including the ability to block submarine paths using mines and engage in offensive maneuvers by launching torpedoes and firing missiles. With a speed of 11 knots on the surface and 19 knots underwater, it can operate at depths of up to 300 meters.

The submarine, with a length of 72.6 meters, a beam of 9.9 meters, and a draft of 6.5 meters, can accommodate 70 personnel on board during missions lasting up to 40 consecutive days. The ongoing modification at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam, with an investment of ₹934 crore, aims to enhance the submarine's weaponry, sensors, and communication systems, extending its service life.

Unique Features and Challenges of INS Sindhukirti

Designed in an era prioritizing functionality over comfort, INS Sindhukirti lacks luxurious facilities. The battery pit, housing crucial batteries weighing around 900 kg each, serves as the submarine's primary electrical power source in emergencies. The absence of a shower facility and a single toilet shared by all onboard highlight the submarine's utilitarian design.

The submarine's ability to move quietly distinguishes it from others, enhancing its stealth capabilities. The ongoing modifications are a significant step towards modernizing the Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine and advancing India's journey toward self-reliance in defense.

Having been out of service for several years due to previous modification challenges, the reactivation of INS Sindhukirti signifies a noteworthy achievement for India's naval capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to maritime security and self-sufficiency.