Defense: India to have Indian built nuclear subs by 2009

India has announced that an Indian-built nuclear-powered submarine will be ready for sea trials in two years. Naval chief Sureesh Mehta told reporters, "Our scientists have confirmed that they would have the advance technology vessel (nuclear submarine) project ready for trials by 2009."

In reference to India's nuclear deterrent strategy he added, "placing of nuclear weapons under the sea is the third triad which at present we don't have and we hope at one point we will."

He also confirmed that India is negotiating with Russia to lease a Russian nuclear-powered submarine, which he said was "to enable our men to train on how to operate nuclear reactors and other platforms."