INS Sindhughosh Decommissioning Signals Transition to Modern Submarine Fleet

The Indian Navy is set to retire INS Sindhughosh, the first of the ten Kilo-class submarines procured from the former Soviet Union and later Russia, according to IDRW reports. Commissioned on April 30, 1986, this vessel was the lead of the Sindhughosh-class, India's version of the Russian Project 877EKM diesel-electric submarines. This move is part of the Navy's broader initiative to update its underwater fleet by replacing older models with more advanced, domestically developed submarines.

INS Sindhughosh will be the third Kilo-class submarine to be retired by the Indian Navy. This follows the decommissioning of INS Sindhurakshak in 2017, after a deadly explosion in 2013, and INS Sindhudhvaj, which was retired in July 2022 at the end of its operational lifespan. Throughout its nearly four-decade service, INS Sindhughosh was instrumental in safeguarding India's maritime interests, conducting regular patrols, and participating in several major naval exercises.

The Kilo-class submarines have been a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities, known for their stealth, endurance, and firepower. These submarines, armed with torpedoes, naval mines, and anti-ship missiles, provided India with a credible deterrent and striking power during and after the Cold War. INS Sindhughosh notably represented the strong strategic and defense relations between India and the Soviet Union, and subsequently Russia, which delivered all ten submarines between 1986 and 2000.

INS Sindhughosh underwent numerous upgrades over the years to extend its operational life, including new sonar systems and Klub-S cruise missiles. However, aging issues, increased maintenance costs, and the advancement of modern naval warfare have reduced the effectiveness of the older Kilo-class fleet. Designed to serve approximately 30–35 years, these submarines are now reaching or have surpassed their intended operational lifespan.

The retirement of INS Sindhughosh is aligned with a broader plan to replace outdated assets with next-generation platforms. Under Project 751, the Navy plans to introduce six new submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to improve underwater endurance and survivability. Furthermore, India is investing in a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, including the INS Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and the planned nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) under Project 75 Alpha.

These modern vessels are anticipated to significantly enhance India's strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China's growing naval ambitions. As INS Sindhughosh retires, its legacy highlights the development of India’s submarine capabilities and the Navy's transformation into a technologically advanced blue-water force.