acoustic measurement is pending so noise levels are not yet known. Moreover main tiles are not yet put so of course whatever is measurement as of now would be he worst case.
i have a question- whats its speed really? sometimes back (abt a year of 2) it was said chinese subs are quite fast and they are also developing faster subs (80-120 knots speed which is quite scary speed really if true but technologically possible yet no firm newsreports to back the chinese claims). i wish to understand that as in case the 3rd arm is of our nuclear doctrine if its pressed to use, its important to understand how fast it would react and how far strategically it would reach.For example take a hypothetical case that land based missile systems are no more a option for deployment to both say Pak or china.. then with K15 - 750 kms or K4 how soon (in say hours days) it can reach around Lakshdeep or mumbai area to launch the attack for pak based or for china (K4) say from Vizag or say from Karwar/Kadamba (just assuming or whatever). How fast it can disappear in bay of bengal/Indian Ocean and launch a sneak attack.. If we compare its acoustics (worst case and extrapolate a bit) and speed, can we try and understand the comparable subs in this category (speed/noise). Also depth of operation perhaps (on paper targeted max depth perhaps as actual may be under evaluation)
Interestingly, what meets the eye may not be the truth. The so called trial launch now seems a bit far fetched delayed truth. Knowing how IN operates i dont think they wud take a risk in front of def minister to launch into bay post sindurakshak blow so i believe rather tests had been going on for sometime and now its more of rigorous end of the testing (including missile launch ) perhaps which is why DM Parrikar flagged off in a way to quietly let the world know about its status.
Interestingly, we fail to understand one thing, if i consider 4 K4 space in Arihant, the longer range A4 (17 tons) quiet seems comparable to further stripdown/compacted to Sub SLBM form (B05 or B06).. but A5 seems too huge atm and if we really end up with say just 4 strategic Nuke Missiles each sub then say 3x4 =12 or even 3x6 -18 (for 6 such subs) means just 12-18 strategically long ranged nukes. This is where i believe there seems to be a mismatch in information released. Either 12-18 for 3-6 subs for Long ranged SLBM is a blatant lie or as some reports suggested K4 is much more then claimed 2500-3000kms. An 18 missile of say 5000-8000 kms with single warhead or MIRV gives far more credible strategic depth to third nuclear triad for our country. I do believe then 18 missiles is a enough number for a country like India (18 missiles of range 5-8k) who has a policy of 2nd strike and no first use. Inherently, if the numbers increase to say 30-36 missiles or more in these subs for such long range or even more, in a way we are positioning to first strike capability for which i do believe the present national assets including IAF/ armed forces both needs the critical def equipments which are pending for purchase (rafales /FGFA /Apache / Chinook/Javelin 4th Gen etc etc)
In all a wonderful achievement for our nation. We are not a nation who is ultra rich but our folks are very hard working determined fellows. Its a honor that we finally did something which most nations cant imagine. I just hope going forward, more professional approach among industry participants, a timely delivery system and less bureaucratic system of approvals (read less money wastage , less delays in approval and less bribes/scams) will see us prospering more to our self reliance. Arihant truly is one small step for a giant self reliance dream of our country and i hope we all can see it soon in coming years not decades.
...Navy didn't say anything on this matter although they r involve in the sea trials
