N-sub for India begins new trials

MOSCOW: Russia's Akula-II class Nerpa nuclear attack submarine, which is expected to be leased to the Indian navy by the end of this year, today commenced the second stage of its pre-delivery trials.

The Nerpa this morning left the Bolshoi Kamen port in Russia's Maritime Territory on the Pacific Coast to the Sea of Japan for the second stage of trials, the state-run RIA Novosti reported.

The submarine, hit by a mishap on November 8 in the Sea of Japan due to accidental triggering of fire suppression system that led to the release of a highly toxic gas killing 20 crew members and civilian technical staff, resumed its sea trials on July 10 following extensive repairs.

Special equipment were installed on board for performance checking and fine-tuning of the sub's systems by the experts of designing bureau and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), before it began the second stage of pre-delivery trials.

After the completion of trials, 'Nerpa' is expected to be formally commissioned by the Russian Navy for subsequent 10-year lease to the Indian Navy by the end of this year.

As part of the larger Gorshkov package deal, India reportedly paid USD 650 million for completion and lease of the 12,000-tonne boat considered the quietest and deadliest of all Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines.