Russia's Admiralty Shipyards: Where most of Indian Navy's submarines are made

<b>Manu Pubby, ET Bureau</b><br><br>Most of the submarines operated by the Indian Navy were constructed at a strategic shipyard at the secretive heart of the cold war naval tussle between USSR and the US. <br><br>The Admiralty Shipyards, based in St Petersburg and founded in 1704, accounts for 16 out of the 23 submarines that were or are in service with India since independence. However, the facility itself has been shrouded in secrecy, given its cold war lineage.<br><br><i>Now for the first time, an Indian publication has been given access to the shipyard – a rare peek into the art of submarine construction. We take a look at the historic Admiralty Shipyards, which has rolled out over 300 submarines since the last century, including 41 nuclear boats:</i><br><br><i>Image: Rubin Design Bureau</I>

The first stage – where sheet metal comes into the factory, ready to be cut up in various shapes and sizes to form the structure of the submarine.

The laser cutting room, where metal sheets are cut using precision tools

These strips of metal will form the various internal structure of the submarine.

Bending the metal just enough to form the curved sections of the hull. These sections have to be the toughest.

Carefully smoothening out the edges of freshly cut metal

A laser, water cutting machine. Giving precision shape.

Technicians and engineers mark out the metal plate – from where it all starts – before it goes for cutting.

The outer hull of a Kilo class submarine now begins to see shape.

A welder hard at work, pushing deadlines.

Partially completed sections lie at the rigs, ready to be moved to the next part of the assembly line.

A partially completed conning tower of a Kilo class submarine on the assembly line.