The reason for the return to Russia from India of the submarine “Chakra” was an explosion on board

The explosion of a high-pressure air cylinder on board the nuclear submarine of the Indian Navy “Chakra” (as part of the Russian Navy was named “Nerpa”) caused India to return to Russia ten months before the expiration of the lease. This was reported to TASS by a source in the military-industrial complex.

“The explosion of a high-pressure air cylinder on the Chakra submarine occurred in the spring of 2020 during the submarine's cruise. It damaged the lightweight and durable hull of the nuclear submarine, ”the source said.

According to him, the high-pressure air cylinder was between the housings, so both suffered. Also, as a result of the emergency, electronic weapons and sonar equipment were damaged, the source said.

After the explosion, technical specialists from India completed the repair of the hulls, after which the submarine, on its own, in the surface position, is sent to Russia, the agency's interlocutor said.

India used the Nerpa to train submarine crews and to track the movements of Chinese warships. This is the second submarine leased by India from Russia.

Earlier it was reported that India is returning a nuclear submarine that was leased from Russia. The submarine entered service with India in April 2012, for a period of ten years. Several sources reported that maintenance issues, including the power plant, were the reason for the return.