According to Jane's Defense Weekly, Indian Navy will lease two
"Akula Class" (Type 971) nuclear-powered submarine (SSNs) from
Russia, so as to rival China's growing "military existence" in the
Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
Jane's Defense Weekly, famous military publication of UK, recently
quoted words from official that Indian Navy will lease two "Akula
Class" (Type 971) nuclear-powered submarine (SSNs) from Russia to
meet its demands of military operation which has seen its
continuous expansion in recent years, so as to rival China's
growing "military existence" in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of
Bengal.
It
is said that the lease will covers five years and will last until
India's self-built SSN-the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)-enters
into service. The two SSNs are expected to join the Indian Navy in
2004 and the rental contract has been submitted to the Indian
government for approval as reported.
(People's
Daily February 7, 2002)