In a dramatic escalation of military cooperation, Russia has offered India a second nuclear attack submarine and a groundbreaking deal to co-develop the advanced S-500 missile system. This urgent proposal comes as China’s submarine fleet swells to over 60 vessels, including a formidable dozen of nuclear-powered submarines, intensifying the threat in the Indo-Pacific region.

The submarine in question, the K519 Arabus, has languished at Russia’s Amur shipyard for decades, now 40% complete since 1996. With India currently operating just two nuclear attack submarines, this offer is not just timely; it’s critical. The K519 could be upgraded with Caliber cruise missiles, extending India’s strike range to 2,000 kilometers—four times that of older models—significantly enhancing its operational capabilities across the Indian Ocean.

India’s urgency is underscored by the ongoing delays in its own nuclear submarine program. With the first vessel of Project 77 not set to launch until 2024 and a $3 billion lease on another Akula-class submarine not expected until 2028, the pressure mounts as China expands its naval operations. The S-500 air defense system, capable of tracking targets over 600 kilometers, represents a pivotal shift in Indo-Russian military ties, granting India access to technology previously withheld from other nations.

As geopolitical tensions rise, India must bolster its defenses against China’s growing maritime assertiveness, especially in key chokepoints like the Malacca Strait and the Andaman Sea. The implications of this deal are profound, potentially accelerating an arms race in the Indo-Pacific, with regional players like Australia and Japan closely monitoring the developments.

While the financial aspects of refurbishing the K519 are manageable, the strategic necessity is clear: every moment of delay strengthens China’s operational advantage. As India navigates its defense relationships with both Russia and Western allies, this partnership underscores the complexities of modern military alliances in a rapidly shifting global landscape.