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India Reinforces Ties with Russia with Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles for Sindhughosh Submarines.
India has formalized a contract with Russia for the procurement of anti-ship cruise missiles aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of its submarine fleet. The announcement was made by the Indian Ministry of Defence on the social media platform X on February 4, 2025, emphasizing the strategic significance of this agreement. The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during a ceremony in New Delhi. This acquisition is part of the longstanding Indo-Russian defense cooperation, which has facilitated the supply of various military technologies over several decades.
The deployment of these missiles on Sindhughosh-class submarines indicates they are likely 3M-54 Klub-S, the export version of the 3M-54 Kalibr (Picture source: WikiCommons/Vitaly.Kuzmin)
While the exact number of missiles and delivery schedule have not been disclosed, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that these weapons are intended for the Sindhughosh-class submarines, an Indian variant of the Kilo-class originally developed in Russia. These submarines are a core component of India's conventional underwater fleet and already possess advanced combat systems. The integration of these cruise missiles is expected to enhance their strike capability and improve their ability to conduct long-range naval operations.
The Sindhughosh class consists of diesel-electric attack submarines built in Russia and commissioned into the Indian Navy since 1986. Measuring 72.6 meters in length with a submerged displacement of 3,076 tons, these submarines are powered by a hybrid propulsion system combining two 3,650-horsepower diesel engines and a 5,900-horsepower electric motor, enabling them to reach a maximum speed of 19 knots while submerged and operate at depths of up to 300 meters. They have an operational range of 6,000 nautical miles when using a snorkel and can remain on missions for up to 45 days, supported by a crew of 53 personnel, including 13 officers.
From a combat perspective, Sindhughosh-class submarines are designed for engagements against surface and underwater targets, equipped with a diverse weapons package that includes 533 mm heavy torpedoes (53-65 and TEST 71/76), DM-1 naval mines, and Klub-S (SS-N-27) anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles enhance their capability to engage maritime and land-based targets at extended ranges.
Over the years, the Sindhughosh fleet has undergone several modernization programs, incorporating the USHUS sonar system, the CCS-MK2 communication system, and a life extension program up to 35 years, conducted in partnership with Russia and Indian shipyards. These upgrades have improved their detection and engagement capabilities, adapting them to modern naval warfare requirements. However, despite these enhancements, the fleet has experienced operational incidents, including collisions and onboard fires, highlighting the maintenance challenges associated with aging submarines.
The recent contract with Russia aligns with India’s broader defense cooperation with Moscow, which remains a key supplier of military hardware, including aviation, air defense, and naval systems. This partnership ensures access to advanced weaponry, reinforcing India's deterrence posture and operational readiness amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Anti-ship cruise missiles play a critical role in India’s maritime strategy, providing a long-range strike capability against naval threats. The integration of these missiles into the Sindhughosh-class submarines directly contributes to the Navy’s offensive and defensive strength, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where competing naval interests are shaping the regional security landscape.
Although specific details about the procured missiles have not been officially confirmed, their integration into Sindhughosh-class submarines suggests they could be 3M-54 Klub-S missiles, an export variant of the 3M-54 Kalibr (SS-N-27 "Sizzler"). Developed by Russia’s Novator Design Bureau, this anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile has an operational range between 220 and 300 km, depending on the variant, and utilizes a turbojet engine with a solid-fuel booster. Its supersonic terminal phase enhances its survivability against enemy air defense systems.
The Kalibr/SS-N-27 has been in service since 1987 and is deployed by several naval forces, including those of Russia, China, India, Iran, Vietnam, and Algeria. The Klub-S variant, designed for submarine launch, is compatible with Kilo- and Sindhughosh-class submarines, allowing them to engage targets while remaining undetected. Meanwhile, the Klub-N version is configured for surface ships, such as Russia’s Grigorovich-class frigates. These missiles have been combat-tested, including in Syria, where their ability to evade enemy air defenses through low-altitude flight and evasive maneuvers has been demonstrated.
With this acquisition, India continues its submarine fleet modernization efforts, further strengthening its defense ties with Russia while enhancing its naval strike capabilities. The addition of these cruise missiles provides a significant firepower boost to the Indian Navy, supporting its mission to secure strategic maritime routes and maintain maritime security. This contract marks another step in India's long-term naval defense strategy, underscoring the increasing importance of underwater warfare in modern naval operations.