India has formalized a contract with Russia for the procurement of anti-ship cruise missiles aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of its submarine fleet. The announcement was made by the Indian Ministry of Defence on the social media platform X on February 4, 2025, emphasizing the strategic significance of this agreement. The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during a ceremony in New Delhi. This acquisition is part of the longstanding Indo-Russian defense cooperation, which has facilitated the supply of various military technologies over several decades.
While the exact number of missiles and delivery schedule have not been disclosed, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that these weapons are intended for the Sindhughosh-class submarines, an Indian variant of the Kilo-class originally developed in Russia. These submarines are a core component of India’s conventional underwater fleet and already possess advanced combat systems. The integration of these cruise missiles is expected to enhance their strike capability and improve their ability to conduct long-range naval operations.
Although specific details about the procured missiles have not been officially confirmed, their integration into Sindhughosh-class submarines suggests they could be 3M-54 Klub-S missiles, an export variant of the 3M-54 Kalibr (SS-N-27 “Sizzler”). Developed by Russia’s Novator Design Bureau, this anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile has an operational range between 220 and 300 km, depending on the variant, and utilizes a turbojet engine with a solid-fuel booster. Its supersonic terminal phase enhances its survivability against enemy air defense systems.
The Kalibr/SS-N-27 has been in service since 1987 and is deployed by several naval forces, including those of Russia, China, India, Iran, Vietnam, and Algeria. The Klub-S variant, designed for submarine launch, is compatible with Kilo- and Sindhughosh-class submarines, allowing them to engage targets while remaining undetected. Meanwhile, the Klub-N version is configured for surface ships, such as Russia’s Grigorovich-class frigates. These missiles have been combat-tested, including in Syria, where their ability to evade enemy air defenses through low-altitude flight and evasive maneuvers has been demonstrated.
With this acquisition, India continues its submarine fleet modernization efforts, further strengthening its defense ties with Russia while enhancing its naval strike capabilities. The addition of these cruise missiles provides a significant firepower boost to the Indian Navy, supporting its mission to secure strategic maritime routes and maintain maritime security. This contract marks another step in India’s long-term naval defense strategy, underscoring the increasing importance of underwater warfare in modern naval operations.