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Former Indian officers call for expanding nuclear arsenal

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Jan 30, IRNA
India-Submarines-Nuke
Strategic forces need to be built up to 'deterrent' levels against a major power like China and the nuclear arsenal must, therefore, be enlarged and diversified to include thermo -nuclear weapons to ensure guaranteed second strike capability, submarines capable of launching thermo-nuclear weapons which must be available, former army chief General S Padmanabhan said.

Noting that India had a declared 'No First Use' policy, former navy chief Admiral (retd.) Madvendra Singh asked the government to make nuclear submarines available to the armed forces of the country.

The two top former military officials have asked the government to immediately approve the production of nuclear submarines to ensure a guaranteed second strike capability for the Indian armed forces, PTI report said here quoting the upcoming issue of 'Indian Defense Review'.

The former navy chief said, "The government should approve, start and fund such a program at the earliest, as it is vital for the security of the country. The ultimate aim should be to have at least four such submarines so that at least one, if not two, are on patrol at all times."
Singh said any country with a 'No First Use Policy', must have an assured second-strike capability.

"Missile silos, airfields and aircraft are easily detected by satellites and are hence easy targets. A nuclear submarine is very, very difficult to detect. Even if detected, it is extremely difficult to target, as it is constantly on the move at speeds of 20 knots or more," he said.

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