PM to launch India's indigenous N-sub trials on July 26

NEW DELHI: Marking its entry into an elite club, India will launch its first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine at Vishakapatnam sea port for trial on July 26.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will launch the submarine at the Vishakapatnam port in the presence of top Defence and Navy officials, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy told reporters here today.

Code-named Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), India has been quite secretive about its nuclear submarine project.

To be christened INS Arihant (destroyer of enemies), the nuclear submarine is among the five in the class already approved by the government to create a strong nuclear submarine fleet.

The sea trial of the 7,000-tonne submarine will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal off Vishakapatnam, where the vessel was constructed.

Once inducted, India will join the high league comprising US, Russia, France and China, which have capabilities to develop nuclear submarines.