Spoilt for Choice

Jaison Deepak

The submarine is one of the most valuable weapons at sea both for tactical and strategic purposes. The lethality of the submarine as an offensive platform rests significantly on the effectiveness of its sensors and weapon suite, the induction of new submarines and upgrading of existing submarines during refits can ensure that they remain at the forefront of providing security to the sea lines of communication (SLOC).

Submarine Sensor Suite

The S-Cube integrated sonar suite equipping the six Kalvari (Scorpene) class submarines are perhaps the most advanced submarine sonar suite the Indian Navy possesses. “Thales Sonar portfolio is unique and it has successfully inducted the S-Cube Sonar Suite on Submarines that comprises bow, flank, distributed, towed, intercept and active arrays, self–noise monitoring, 3D MOAS, as well as associated functions. As an integrated system, the S-Cube provides situational awareness capabilities by offering instantaneous access to all sensors data. With a view to serve the Indian requirements, we would continue to offer advanced integrated Sonars and EW system for upcoming projects as well,” said Emmanuel de Roquefeuil, VP and Country Director – India, Thales.

Another major submarine system is the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) developed and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) built USHUS sonar which is now a standard fit on the upgraded Sindhugosh (Kilo) Class submarines of the Indian Navy and the Arihant class submarines. The NPOL in 2017 delivered the USHUS-2 which is an upgraded variant of the USHUS. According to NPOL USHUS-2 is an integrated sonar suite which constitutes an active sonar, passive sonar, intercept sonar, obstacle avoidance sonar and underwater communications. The system provides classification of targets, contact motion ana