India-Russia Deal on Klub-S Missile System

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY: 

Overview

• India recently finalized a defense agreement with Russia to acquire advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, strengthening the Indian Navy’s submarine operational capabilities.
• Although specific details such as cost and quantity remain undisclosed, sources confirm the deal involves the Klub-S missile system, part of the Kalibr missile family.

Klub-S Missile System

• Designed specifically for submarine operations.
• Features a 400-kg warhead with a 300-kilometer strike range.
• Includes advanced navigation, fire control systems, and vertical launcher units.
• Capable of evading obstacles and countering enemy fire.

Significance for the Indian Navy

• Enhances the combat capability of the Indian Navy’s diesel-electric submarines.
• Complements platforms such as Kalvari, Sindhughosh, and Shishumar class submarines.
• Sindhughosh (Kilo class) submarines, developed with Russian collaboration, play a key role in long-range patrols and underwater warfare.

Russian-Origin Submarines in the Fleet

• Key submarines include INS Sindhughosh and INS Sindhurakshak.
• Decommissioning of older vessels continues, with India exploring collaborations with Germany for advanced submarine technologies.

Recent Defence Developments

• This deal marks a significant milestone amidst geopolitical tensions and reduced high-level visits between India and Russia due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• One of the few successful defence agreements since the onset of the war, highlighting the enduring reliance on Russian weapon systems by the Indian Navy.

Kalibr Missile Family

• Includes variants capable of engaging both naval and land targets.
• The 3M-54 Klub-S variant is noted for supersonic speeds, making interception by enemy defences challenging.
• Provides precision strike capabilities from significant distances.

Defence Relationship Dynamics

• India is gradually shifting toward self-reliance in defense through initiatives like ‘Make in India.’
• Recent cancellations of Russian deals indicate a diversification strategy for defense procurement.