The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently signed an agreement worth Rs 2,725 crore for the restoration and life certification of INS Shankush, a powerful submarine from the Indian Navy’s sub-surface killer (SSK) class.

The INS Shankush (S45) is an Indian Navy diesel-electric submarine that is a member of the Shishumar class. It was launched on May 11th, 1984, and put into service on November 20th, 1986. With its long history and advanced capabilities, the submarine is a key component of India’s naval defence plan. In this article, we will look at the INS Shankush’s primary features, upgrades, and future plans.

History and Specifications

The INS Shankush, often referred to as the “Ray of Light,” is one of the submarines in the Shishumar class. These submarines are a variation of the Type-209 submarines that were developed in Germany. The INS Shankush is 64.4 metres long and 6.5 metres in beam, with a displacement of 1450 tonnes when surfaced and 1850 tonnes when submerged. It has a 6 metre draught.

In addition to a Siemens 4,600 horsepower engine and four 1.8 MW Siemens alternators, the submarine is propelled by four 2,400 horsepower diesel-electric motors. The INS Shankush can travel at a speed of 11 knots above the surface and 22 knots below the surface thanks to its propulsion system. With a speed of 8 knots and a test depth of 260 metres, it can travel 8,000 nautical miles.

The INS Shankush is armed with 24 external strap-on mines and 14 AEG-SUT Mod 1 wire-guided active/passive torpedoes. The submarine is a strong weapon for the Indian Navy because of these armaments, which give it both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Mid Life Upgrade

The Indian Navy granted a contract for the INS Shankush’s mid-life modification and certification on June 30, 2023, to improve its combat capabilities. The repair will be completed by Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in technical cooperation with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The estimated completion date for this improvement is 2026, with a total estimated cost of Rs. 2,725 crore (US$340 million).

The INS Shankush will continue to be combat-ready and in line with the changing requirements of the Indian Navy thanks to the mid-life upgrade and certification. The submarine’s operational efficacy and efficiency will be ensured through a number of upgrades and changes to its systems.
Impact and Benefits

The Indian Navy and the defence sector will be significantly impacted by the INS Shankush’s upgrading. As a result of the project, MDL will be positioned as an MRO hub that supports India’s industrial ecosystem. Additionally, it will provide 1,200 mandays per day of employment possibilities during the course of the project. The initiative will involve more than 30 Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), which will help the domestic defence manufacturing industry expand. Along with enhancing the INS Shankush’s capabilities, the relationship between MDL and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems would fortify India and Germany’s defence technology alliance.

The INS Shankush is a vital asset for the Indian Navy, contributing to the nation’s maritime security. With its mid-life upgrade and certification, the submarine will be equipped with enhanced combat capabilities, ensuring its continued effectiveness in safeguarding India’s interests. The project also signifies the growth of the domestic defence industry, with MDL establishing itself as a prominent MRO Hub. As the INS Shankush embarks on its journey to the future, it will continue to serve as an essential component of India’s naval defence strategy.