S71 INS Chakra

This book is a firsthand account of the first nuclear-powered submarine of the Indian Navy, a Charlie class SSGN, leased from the USSR for three years, 1988 – 1991.

The lease of the SSGN enabled the Indian Navy to base, maintain and operate nuclear-powered submarines. It also facilitated the development of design for the indigenous construction of atomic submarines. An ecosystem for radiation monitoring, safety services and waste management was also created.

The author was associated with the submarine from the selection of the crew to the return of the submarine.

The training of the crew in Vladivostok from 1983 – 1986 is detailed in Part 1 and the commissioning in Jan 1988 and exploitation of the boat in India till its return to the USSR in Jan 1991 is illustrated in Part 2.

About the Author

Cmde Arun Kumar graduated from the National Defence Academy in Dec 1971 and was commissioned in the rank of Sub Lt on 01 Jul 1973. He joined the Submarine Arm in May 1975 and served for 28 years in the arm eventually swallowing the anchor as a Cmde in May 2004. In the submarine arm the officer has held all major appointments. He commanded two Kilo class boats INS Sindhuraj, INS Sindhughosh. He also held command of the submarine base INS Virbahu, Submarine School, INS Satavahana and as COMSUB East Commanded the 8th and 11th submarine Squadrons as also the 10th Submarine Squadron as Capt SM.

He played an important part in the growth of the Arm as The Principal Director Submarine Acquisition in steering the 30 year SM building Plan at NHQ in his last appointment. The officer also commanded the missile destroyer INS Rajput. The Officer also graduated in Basic Submarine Course, Long Navigation and Direction Course, Submarine COQC standing first in all. He also underwent the Defence Services Staff and Naval Higher Command and Defence Management courses with distinction.

He was selected for nuclear submarine training in Aug 1982 and completed the 30 months (Oct 83-Apr 1986) training in Vladivostok, USSR. He was part of the Commissioning and Decommissioning crew of Chakra as the First Lt and Executive Officer respectively. For his dedicated services of exceptionally high order, he was decorated twice by the President of India with Nau Sena Medal (NM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 1991 and 2003 respectively.