List of Indian Navy Submarines, Complete Guide to India’s Maritime Strength

Submarines are specially built watercraft that can stay and move underwater on their own for long durations, using their internal systems for power and operations. Because of their ability to remain hidden and move swiftly, they play an important role in naval warfare. 

They are used for tasks like gathering intelligence, tracking enemy submarines, and protecting maritime interests. Modern submarines are fitted with advanced equipment for navigation, communication, and combat, making them one of the most powerful assets in any navy. India operates a range of submarines, including diesel-electric ones designed for attack missions and nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles. 

In addition to its current fleet, India is also working on building next-generation submarines, ships, and destroyers to further strengthen its naval strength. Below is the List of Indian Navy Submarines.

Indian Navy Submarines

India operates a wide range of submarines, both conventional and nuclear-powered, equipped with modern sensors, engines and weapons suited for specialized maritime roles. Currently, the Indian Navy has three main submarine classes – Shishumar, Sindhughosh, and Kalvari.

Shishumar Class

• These four submarines were built with German assistance and later inducted into the Navy.

• They are designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship operations, with advanced sensors that give India a strong presence in the Arabian Sea.

• The submarines in this class are INS Shishumar, INS Shankush, INS Shalki and INS Shankul.

Sindhughosh Class

• This class is made up of Russian-origin Kilo-class submarines. Out of 10 inducted, 7 remain in active service while 3 have been retired.

• They are fitted with satellite communication systems, sonar, radar and electronic warfare technology. They can carry out both anti-submarine and anti-ship missions.

• Active submarines in this class include INS Sindhughosh, INS Sindhudhvaj, INS Sindhuraj, INS Sindhuvir, INS Sindhuratna and INS Sindhukesari.

Kalvari Class

• These are modern, diesel-electric submarines built in India at Mazagon Dock under Project 75, with technology transferred from France’s Scorpene-class designs.

• So far, five have been commissioned — INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela and INS Vagir.

• The sixth one, INS Vagsheer, is expected to join the fleet in 2024.

• Future versions under Project 75(I) will be equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) to enhance underwater endurance.

Overview of the Indian Submarine Fleet

The Indian submarine fleet is designed to meet both offensive and defensive naval needs. It consists of two main categories:

1. Nuclear Submarines India (SSBNs and SSNs) – These are powered by nuclear reactors and have unlimited endurance under water. They are crucial for long-range missions and strategic deterrence.
   
   

2. Conventional Submarines (SSKs) – Also known as diesel-electric submarines, these are stealthy, cost-effective, and suitable for coastal defense and tactical operations.

List of Indian Navy Submarines

The list of Indian Navy submarines reflects the strength and modernization of India’s maritime defense. The Indian Navy operates a mix of nuclear-powered and conventional submarines, which play a vital role in ensuring national security, surveillance, and deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.  

Nuclear-powered Submarines

Diesel-electric Submarines

Under Construction / Planned

Decommissioned

Nuclear Submarines India

India’s nuclear-powered submarines are a key part of its strategic deterrence program. These submarines can stay underwater for extended periods, making them extremely difficult to detect.

• INS Arihant – India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
  
  

• INS Arighat – Second SSBN, undergoing sea trials.
  
  

• Akula Class SSN (leased from Russia, INS Chakra I and II; new lease agreements under discussion).
  
  

These nuclear submarines India, under the List of Indian Navy Submarines showcase the country’s growing technological and defense capabilities.

Conventional Submarines of India

Besides the Scorpene-class submarines, the Indian Navy also operates older yet reliable conventional submarines such as:

• Shishumar Class (German-built Type 209): INS Shishumar, INS Shankush, INS Shalki, and INS Shankul.

• Sindhughosh Class (Russian-origin Kilo-class): INS Sindhughosh, INS Sindhuraj, INS Sindhuratna, INS Sindhushastra, among others.

These conventional platforms are continuously upgraded with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, and missile capabilities to ensure they remain mission-ready.

Kalvari Class Submarines (Scorpene Class)

The Kalvari Class submarines are part of the Scorpene submarines India project, built under the “Make in India” initiative at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. These modern submarines are equipped with advanced stealth technology, precision-guided weapons, and superior sonar capabilities.

• INS Kalvari
  
  

• INS Khanderi
  
  

• INS Karanj
  
  

• INS Vela
  
  

• INS Vagir
  
  

• INS Vagsheer (under trials)
  
  

This makes the Kalvari Class the backbone of India’s modern conventional submarines.

Indian Navy Submarine - Significance

A powerful and technologically modern submarine fleet is vital in defining a nation’s naval strategy and ensuring the protection of its maritime interests. This holds particularly true for India, making the list of Indian Navy submarines mentioned above highly significant.

Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence

With the arrival of INS Arihant, India now has all three elements of its nuclear defense system—land, air, and sea. Since this submarine can launch nuclear missiles from under the sea, India is assured of a second-strike option. This means that even if the enemy destroys India’s land or air-based nuclear weapons, India can still respond from underwater. This ability strengthens India’s defense credibility, discourages attacks, and helps maintain balance and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Enhancing Naval Power in the Indian Ocean

India’s growing submarine fleet boosts the strength of its navy. Submarines serve as a powerful deterrent, preventing rivals from making aggressive moves near India’s maritime borders or on important sea routes. This helps India safeguard its surrounding waters while also supporting peace and stability in the region.

Access Denial and Sea Control

In modern naval warfare, submarines are vital. They can block enemy warships or shipping traffic by using torpedoes, mines, and anti-ship missiles, effectively limiting the enemy’s freedom to operate. Diesel-electric submarines are especially effective in disrupting enemy supply lines during conflict. Submarines also give India control over key sea areas by launching surprise attacks and protecting crucial trade and military routes across the Indo-Pacific.

Intelligence Gathering and Surveillance

Submarines are not just attack platforms—they are also crucial for intelligence and monitoring. With advanced tracking and electronic systems, they can quietly watch over key maritime areas, sea chokepoints, and potential conflict zones. The information gathered helps India make smarter national security decisions.

The Bigger Picture

As India’s influence and interests expand across the seas, strong underwater capabilities are becoming more important. A modern submarine fleet ensures that India can protect its own waters and also play an active role as a strategic power in the Indian Ocean and the larger Indo-Pacific region.