TOOLS OF WAR: HOW AN INDIAN SUBMARINE WAS PUSHED AWAY FROM PAKISTANI WATERS

TOOLS OF WAR: HOW AN INDIAN SUBMARINE WAS PUSHED AWAY FROM PAKISTANI WATERS

In this particular case, the Indian submarine was most likely detected while it was snorkelling, making it easier to locate and identify. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) assets of the Pakistani Navy would have either spotted it or picked up through radar or sonar.

Sonars bounce sound waves of the craft and radars detect subtle disturbances on or below the ocean’s surface. Once a submarine is detected, a cat and mouse game ensues with ASW assets actively searching for the intruding submarine and fixing its location.

If the Indian Navy submarine submerged after its snorkelling run, Pakistan Navy ASW assets would have had a rough location, heading and probable speed. The data would also be immediately passed on to surface units of the navy which would race to the location and join in the hunt.

“She was snorkelling, because she knew she had been detected. So there was no point of further exhausting the battery,” added the admiral.

Using the data available, ASW helicopters and aircraft such as the P-3C Orion and Atlantique would have dropped sonobouys in pre-determined patterns and depths to bracket the submarine. Sonars dipped from helicopters using active sonars pings would also be used.

A source privy to the matter confirmed that the submarine was earlier detected by air assets, with surface units later joining the hunt.

All the activity by Pakistan Navy assets was surely not missed by the Indian submarine, confirming to them that they have indeed been detected.

Once detected, the submarine crew would not have had any other option than to turn around and head towards a friendly port. Pakistani ASW units would have had continuously shadowed the submarine to ensure it was in fact leaving the area.

Submarine and anti-submarine operations are all about training, skill and steady nerves. The side which can hold its nerves in such situations usually comes out on top.