Water trial of indigenous N-sub on August 15

After a series of setbacks, India's hunt for a nuclear submarine has finally gathered steam. For one, the new D-day for 'launching' first indigenous nuclear submarine 'into water' for preliminary tests has been set for Aug 15.

For another, with a high-level delegation led by defence secretary Vijay Singh currently in Moscow, Russia has now promised to deliver its Akula-II class attack submarine 'K-152 Nerpa' on a 10-year lease to India by the end of this year.

The importance of nuclear submarines cannot be overstated. Unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines, which have to frequently surface to replenish oxygen to recharge their batteries, a nuclear-propelled submarine can operate underwater for virtually unlimited periods of time.

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