First nuclear sub for India
27 July 2009
India launched its first nuclear-powered submarine on 26 July, making it the sixth country in the world to use nuclear energy in marine propulsion. Prime minister Manmohan Singh said the launch of the Arihant was "a reflection of the technical expertise that exists in our country and the strength of our research organisations." Larsen & Toubro said it had made the "largest single contribution" to the vessel which was manufactured according to a design developed by the Navy and the Defence Research & Development Organisation with Russian assistance. Power for propulsion as well as electricity and water provision comes from an 80 MWt pressurized water reactor.