Indian carrier, nuke submarine programs delayed

NEW DELHI, India - India's key navy programs -- the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) and the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant -- are running late, according to local media reports Wednesday.

The aircraft carrier, originally scheduled for induction in 2015, has been pushed back to 2017, and the nuclear submarine, earlier set for operationalization this year, has been rescheduled for next year, said Indo-Asian News Service.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma was quoted as saying Tuesday the aircraft carrier may not be inducted anytime before 2017 or so and the reason for the delay was the "set back" the project had over delays in gear box deliveries and a road accident involving a truck carrying the generators for the vessel.

However, Verma also claimed that India's nuclear triad -- the ability to fire nuclear from land, air and sea -- will soon be in place, once INS Arihant is put into the sea next year, reported local daily Times of India.

"Navy is poised to complete the triad, and our maritime and nuclear doctrines will then be aligned to ensure our nuclear insurance comes from the sea. Given our unequivocal 'no first-use commitment,' a retaliatory strike capability that is credible and invulnerable is an imperative," he was quoted as saying.