INS Sindhughosh (S55)

History

In the event of a full-scale war, the modern Indian Navy has as many as 14 submarines on standby, both nuclear-powered and conventional-powered attack types. Leading the way is the all-new INS Arihant (S73), India's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (described in detail elsewhere on this site).

On the other end of the spectrum is the INS Sindhughosh (S55) (translated as "battle cry" or similar), a conventionally powered type that serves as the capital ship of the Sindhughosh class diesel-electric attack submarines. There were originally nine classes, one of which was lost in the 2013 explosion.

The more advanced Kalvari grades are designed to replace part of this group.

INS Sindhughosh (S55) entered service on 30 April 1986 and continued on that date (January 2019). It was built at Russian shipyards in Severodvinsk and Sevmash before being delivered to the Indian Navy. The ship's home port is in Mumbai, India.

The ship has a displacement of 2,325 tons and dives up to 3,075 tons. Dimensions include a barrel length of 238 feet, a beam of 32 feet and a draft of up to 22 feet. Power comes from a diesel electric unit with 2 x 3,650hp diesel electric motors, 1 x 5,900hp electric motor, 2 x 204hp auxiliary engines and 1 x 130hp economy rev engine.

All told, the boat can travel at 10 knots when surfaced and 17 knots underwater. Under ideal conditions, the range is up to 6,000 miles, allowing for a mission duration window of up to 45 days. The crew numbered 52, including 13 officers.

The main weapon is a Russian-made torpedo (both passive casting and active-passive types are supported). The ship also carries a 9M36 "Strela-3" (SA-N-8) surface-to-air missile (SAM) launcher for incoming low-flying threats and can carry up to 24 DM-1 mines as required.

Also supports the ZM-54E "Klub" (SS-N-27) anti-ship cruise/land attack missile capable of reaching targets (at sea and inland) up to 140 miles.

The existence of this particular Indian Navy ship has been rather dubious since it entered service in 1986 - its prominent entry paints a rather negative picture. In January 2008, the ship collided with the merchant vessel MV Leeds Castle off the coast of Mumbai as it attempted to surface as part of an Indian naval exercise. In August 2013, the ship caught fire and suffered minor damage, although sister ship INS Sindhurakshak was missing in the incident.

In January 2014, the ship ran aground in shallow water en route to the Mumbai shipyard - no casualties were reported.

Of the 10 Sindhughosh class submarines completed, 9 are still in service and the only one above has been decommissioned.

Specification

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