Russia Offers India 6 Refurbished Kilo Submarines and Kalibr Missiles Range 1500 Km

Russia is making a major offer to bolster India's underwater warfare capabilities as both countries prepare for their 23rd annual high-level summit in September 2025, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to India. The centerpiece of this offer includes six refurbished Kilo-class conventional submarines, the lease of a second Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, and advanced 1,500 km-range Kalibr cruise missiles—technologies that Russia has rarely offered in the past.

This comes at a time when the Indian Navy is facing a serious challenge: most of its conventional submarines, acquired during the 1980s, are nearing retirement, creating a capability gap until the new Project 75I submarines arrive by the mid-2030s. Meanwhile, both Pakistan and China are rapidly expanding their own submarine fleets. Pakistan is set to receive its first of eight Chinese-built Yuan-class submarines this year, while China is producing multiple nuclear-powered submarines annually.

The Kilo-Class Offer

Russia has proposed the sale of six refurbished Kilo-class submarines, which are part of the Indian Navy's existing fleet. These diesel-electric attack submarines are known for their stealth, endurance, and torpedo capabilities. Under this proposal, the submarines would be delivered at a rate of one per year over six years.

In addition to refurbishment, Russia is offering to upgrade these submarines with the ability to launch cruise missiles from all six of their torpedo tubes. Currently, Indian Kilo-class submarines can fire missiles from only two tubes. This would significantly enhance their strike power and flexibility in naval combat operations.

Long-Range Kalibr Missile Package

One of the most notable parts of Russia’s proposal is the offer to supply Kalibr land-attack cruise missiles with ranges of up to 1,500 kilometers. These long-range variants were previously withheld by Moscow, and even India's leased Chakra III nuclear submarine was only equipped with the 500-kilometer version. The Kalibr missiles are capable of striking deep inland targets with high precision and could greatly enhance India’s ability to project power from the sea.

If integrated across both Kilo and nuclear-powered submarines, these missiles would give India a formidable sea-based conventional strike capability, rivaling the U.S. Tomahawk missile in performance.

Second Akula-Class Nuclear Submarine

Russia has also renewed its offer to lease a second Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine to India. This would complement the INS Chakra III, which is already under a $3 billion, 10-year lease and scheduled to join the Navy in 2028.

The Akula-class submarines are powered by nuclear reactors, allowing them to remain submerged for months and operate silently over long distances. While they carry only conventional weapons, their stealth and endurance make them ideal for patrolling vast ocean areas, trailing enemy submarines, and delivering cruise missile strikes. India’s plan to lease another Akula fills the gap until its own Project 77 indigenous nuclear submarines begin arriving by the late 2030s.

Strategic Context and Implications

This Russian offer comes amid growing competition in India’s defense market, particularly from the United States. Over the last few years, Washington has emerged as a significant arms supplier to India, but remains hesitant to transfer key technologies like nuclear-powered submarines or long-range cruise missiles. Russia, on the other hand, is leveraging its decades-old defense ties with India by focusing on these high-end areas where the U.S. cannot or will not compete.

India has also been pushing for greater self-reliance in defense production. However, with urgent gaps in submarine capability and delays in indigenous programs, the Russian offer provides a timely and strategic bridge.

This move also reinforces the India-Russia defense partnership, which remains vital despite geopolitical pressures and supply challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Over 60% of India’s defense inventory is of Russian origin, and both countries continue to jointly develop systems like the BrahMos missile, which India recently used during Operation Sindoor.

As President Putin prepares to visit New Delhi in September 2025, these proposals will be central to discussions at the 23rd India-Russia summit. If accepted, the offers could shape the Indian Navy's combat capabilities for the next decade, especially in light of increasing maritime threats from neighboring adversaries.

For India, this is more than just a procurement opportunity—it is a critical moment to fill pressing capability gaps and maintain underwater dominance in a rapidly evolving regional security landscape.