AK Antony admits to limitations in deploying subs

With the navy's submarine force levels slated to reach their lowest ever by 2015, defence minister AK Antony on Tuesday acknowledged limitations in the country's ability to deploy its entire fleet.

The navy currently operates 14 submarines, including a nuclear-powered attack submarine leased from Russia. However, the viable strength of its submarine arm is much less, factoring in the operational availability of the boats.

"There are some operational constraints regarding conventional submarines," Antony said, in his address to the navy's top commanders.

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