India-Russia Defence Deal: Russia Offers 3 Refurbished Submarines to India

In a significant boost to India’s naval capabilities, Russia has proposed supplying three fully refurbished diesel-electric Kilo-class submarines to India. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had assured India of one submarine during his visit to New Delhi, but the new offer now includes three submarines, marking a major enhancement in India’s underwater defence strength.

Strategic Significance and Timing

The proposal follows Putin’s December 2025 visit to New Delhi, where he had pledged to lease a nuclear-powered Akula-class attack submarine by 2028. The new offer provides a ready-to-deploy conventional alternative from Russia’s surplus naval reserve. The deal, estimated at under $1 billion, aims to address the Indian Navy’s immediate operational needs and fleet gaps.

Modernization and Combat Readiness

The submarines will undergo extensive modernization to extend their service life by 20 years. Upgrades will align them with modern warfare standards, including the integration of the Klub-S missile system (export variant of Kalibr), capable of striking land and anti-ship targets from 220 km to 300 km. Additional enhancements include low-observable stealth coatings, automated periscope systems, and modern lithium-ion batteries for improved endurance.

Fleet Status and Replacement Needs

Currently, India’s conventional submarine fleet consists of 16 vessels, including seven Russian-origin Sindhughosh-class (Kilo) submarines, four German HDW Shishumar-class boats, and six French-designed Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines. The Kilo-class submarines acquired between 1986 and 2000 are facing age-related challenges. Three vessels (INS Sindhu Rakshak, Sindhuvir, and Sindhudhvaj) have already been retired between 2017 and 2022. The proposed deal essentially provides a one-to-one replacement, ensuring the fleet’s operational strength remains intact.

A Cost-Effective Solution

This offer is viewed as a cost-effective interim measure to maintain India’s underwater capabilities until new, advanced platforms are introduced. According to defence sources, the modernization cost per submarine is estimated at less than $300 million, making it a viable solution for India’s immediate operational and strategic requirements.