Russian -Nuclear-powered attack submarine INS Chakra has been inducted into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Defence Minister AK Antony formally commissioned the submarine at the Ship Building Complex Visakhapatnam.  Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister said the induction takes India into an elite league of six nations that operate nuclear subs. The formally Akula II class Nerpa was rechristened as INS Chakra and inducted into the Navy. The new submarine is commanded by Captain P. Ashokan, who has operational experience of over 25 years.

The submarine is equipped with an array of tactical missiles, cutting edge fire control systems, sonars and communication and surveillance systems. It has come to the Indian shores with deadly fire power, tremendous sustained speed and practically unlimited endurance. The Nerpa has been taken on lease from Russia for ten years and would provide Navy the opportunity to train and operate such nuclear-powered vessels.