New Delhi: Project 77 SSN program is expected to become a major boost for the Indian Navy’s underwater strike capability. The upcoming indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) are being designed with a 24-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) that can support long-range cruise missiles and future hypersonic weapons. The project is part of India’s long-term maritime strategy to strengthen deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.
What is Project 77 SSN?
Project 77 is India’s indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarine program.
- The submarines will be built for the Indian Navy.
- The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has already approved the construction of the first two SSNs.
- The submarines are expected to be built at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
- The project aims to improve India’s underwater warfare capability against regional threats.
Major Upgrade: 24-Cell Vertical Launch System
One of the biggest reported upgrades in Project 77 is the addition of a 24-cell VLS system.
This will allow the submarine to:
- Launch multiple cruise missiles rapidly
- Carry mixed missile loadouts
- Attack land and sea targets from long distances
- Support future advanced missile integration
According to defence reports, the submarines may carry:
- BrahMos-ER missiles
- Nirbhay/ITCM cruise missiles
- Future hypersonic missiles under development by DRDO
Project 77 SSN: Hypersonic Missile Compatibility
Project 77 submarines are reportedly being designed to support future hypersonic weapons from the beginning.
India is currently developing multiple hypersonic technologies through DRDO, including:
- BrahMos-II
- ET-LDHCM hypersonic missile program
- Long-range hypersonic anti-ship missiles
Recent reports also said India successfully tested a long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile with a range of around 1,500 km.
Larger and More Powerful Design
Reports suggest the new SSNs may have:
- Around 10,000-ton displacement
- Larger internal missile storage
- Better endurance for long deployments
- Improved underwater strike capability
This would place the submarines closer to advanced global SSN designs used by major naval powers.
Advanced Stealth Features of Project 77 SSN
Project 77 submarines are expected to include advanced stealth technologies.
Possible features include:
- Pump-jet propulsion
- Reduced acoustic signature
- Anechoic coatings
- Advanced vibration control systems
India is also investing in submarine stealth infrastructure. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently laid the foundation stone for a Large Cavitation Tunnel facility to improve stealth characteristics of future submarines.
What is the Importance of Project 77 SSN
The Project 77 program is important because it will:
- Improve India’s underwater dominance in the Indian Ocean
- Strengthen deterrence against China’s expanding naval presence
- Allow long-range precision strikes from underwater platforms
- Increase survivability during conflict situations
Military experts believe nuclear-powered attack submarines are essential for maintaining continuous naval presence in sensitive maritime regions.
Key Focus of Project 77 SSN
The project also supports the government’s push for indigenous defence production.
Indian agencies involved include:
- Indian Navy
- DRDO
- Ship Building Centre (Visakhapatnam)
- Indian private defence companies
The integration of indigenous missiles and systems is expected to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
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