Cabinet Committee Approves Key Deals for Indigenous Nuclear Submarine Construction and Predator Drone Acquisition

New Delhi, October 10  – In a major boost to the Indian Navy and defense forces' surveillance capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved two significant deals: the indigenous construction of two nuclear-powered submarines and the purchase of 31 Predator drones from the United States. These new additions are set to significantly enhance India's maritime strength, especially in the Indian Ocean region.

As per the agency report, the deal to construct two nuclear-powered attack submarines, worth approximately ₹45,000 crore, will be executed at the Ship Building Center in Visakhapatnam. The project will see key involvement from private sector companies like Larsen & Toubro. The Indian Navy has been pushing for this deal for a long time as a crucial requirement to address the gap in underwater combat capabilities. As part of its long-term submarine plans, India aims to have six such submarines. These new submarines, being built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, are different from the five nuclear submarines being developed under the Arihant class.

The second significant deal approved by the CCS is for the acquisition of 31 Predator drones from American General Atomics under a Foreign Military Sales contract. The approval was necessary before October 31, as the U.S. offer was valid until then, and the contract is expected to be signed in the coming days. Under the terms of the agreement, the defense forces will begin receiving the drones four years after signing the contract. Of the 31 drones, 15 will be allocated to the Indian Navy, while the Army and Indian Air Force will each receive eight drones. These drones are expected to be game changers in peacetime surveillance operations.

This development marks a significant step in strengthening India’s defense capabilities, both underwater and in the skies.