Published on: July 9, 2025
By: Bharat Global Time | Defence & Strategy Desk
Project-77 Approved: India Ramps Up Naval Power
In a historic step that could redefine India’s maritime deterrence, the Government of India has approved the construction of six nuclear-powered submarines armed with hypersonic-capable missile systems under the ambitious Project-77.
The project, greenlit by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), is being described by senior officials as “India’s biggest-ever naval stealth upgrade” and a direct answer to the growing naval threat from China and Pakistan.
What is Project-77?
- A top-secret initiative under the Ministry of Defence, Project-77 aims to build six state-of-the-art SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines).
- Each submarine will be armed with a mix of torpedoes, cruise missiles, and India’s next-gen hypersonic missile — rumored to be a naval version of the Shaurya-II or BrahMos-2.
- The project is being led by the Indian Navy, DRDO, and private defence partners under the “Make in India” framework.
“This project will catapult India into the elite league of underwater superpowers,” said a top naval officer involved in the program.
Why This Matters: The China-Pakistan Context
India’s maritime strategy has long been outpaced by China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean. From PLA Navy submarines docking in Sri Lanka to the Gwadar naval base in Pakistan, China is tightening its presence in India’s backyard.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is:
- Acquiring Type-039B Yuan-class submarines from China,
- Upgrading its Babur cruise missile for naval deployment.
Project-77 is designed to counter this two-front threat by:
- Giving India a credible second-strike capability at sea,
- Allowing silent tracking of enemy submarines,
- Projecting force across the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.
Hypersonic Missiles: The True Game Changer
What makes these submarines truly lethal is their planned integration of hypersonic missile systems, possibly:
- BrahMos-II (Mach 7) — currently in trials
- Or a modified Shaurya-II (Mach 6–7) naval variant
These will allow India to:
- Strike high-value targets within minutes
- Evade traditional missile defences
- Project deep-strike capability from underwater
“This isn’t just about stealth — it’s about speed and survivability. These platforms are built to win wars before they even begin,” a DRDO scientist said.
Budget & Timeline
- Estimated Cost: ₹1.4 lakh crore (~$17 billion)
- Timeline: First vessel expected by 2032, all six by 2040
- Will be built at Shipbuilding Centre, Visakhapatnam, with strategic support from L&T and BHEL
While the timelines are long, analysts believe the announcement itself acts as a strong deterrent, particularly amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
🇮🇳 India’s Nuclear Submarine Fleet: Where It Stands
| Submarine Type | Status | Role |
|---|---|---|
| INS Arihant (SSBN) | Operational | Ballistic missile carrier |
| INS Arighat (SSBN) | Under sea trials | Second-strike deterrent |
| Project-77 (SSN) | Approved (6 boats) | Attack, surveillance, deterrence |
This would make India the only country besides the US, Russia, China, UK, and France to operate nuclear-powered attack submarines and hypersonic missiles in tandem.
Strategic Takeaway: A Message to the World
India’s approval of Project-77 sends a clear message to adversaries and allies alike:
- To China: The Indo-Pacific won’t be yours uncontested.
- To Pakistan: India’s underwater retaliation capability is evolving fast.
- To the world: India is no longer just a regional power — it’s becoming a blue-water superpower.
Stay tuned with Bharat Global Time for updates on India’s nuclear submarine progress, hypersonic weapon breakthroughs, and Indo-Pacific maritime security.
