India Signs Deal with Russia for Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles for Submarines

India's Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with Russia to procure anti-ship cruise missiles, likely to be armed on the Navy’s Kilo-class submarines.

The announcement was made on the X social media platform. The specific details regarding the missile family, quantity, and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

The newly procured missiles are expected to be integrated into India's Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) diesel-electric submarines. The Kilo-class submarines were acquired during the 1980s to replace older Vela-class submarines. Following the Soviet Union's dissolution, construction continued in Russia, and the final unit, INS Sindhushastra, was commissioned in 2000. Over the years, these submarines underwent life-extension and upgrade programs to extend their operational lifespan.

Currently, seven Kilo-class submarines remain in service with the Indian Navy after several units were decommissioned in recent years.

Despite international sanctions on Russia, India has maintained strong ties with Russia, continuing to procure critical defense systems for its armed forces. This new deal follows previous agreements, including the acquisition of Kalibr cruise missiles, also intended for the Kilo-class submarines.