India’s nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program has advanced considerably, with fresh momentum witnessed in early August 2025 as work accelerates on the ambitious Project-77. These new submarines, estimated at a 12,000-ton submerged displacement, aim to match or outperform the U.S. Navy’s latest Virginia-class Block V submarines in both size and firepower. India’s SSNs will use a 190MW nuclear reactor and pump-jet propulsion, and are expected to deploy up to 40 vertically launched missiles, including hypersonic and new-generation BrahMos missiles with strike ranges reaching 2,000km. Comparatively, the Virginia-class Block V displaces about 10,200 tons submerged, can carry 66 missiles through its Virginia Payload Module, and features advanced stealth and sonar. Russia’s latest Yasen-M class SSNs, meanwhile, weigh about 13,800 tons submerged and also field hypersonic Zircon missiles and state-of-the-art sonar systems. India’s SSN program, with an initial two units cleared and a target of six by mid 2030s, signals the country’s intent to achieve technological parity with major naval powers and strengthen its deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.