Need for a SOSUS array on West coast

[vverma]

It cost US $1 billion dollar to put these all over the atlantic which tracked Russian subs. This also require some infrastructure. Money would be the biggest problem.

[Sukumar]

A long time ago, this topic cropped up on the forum. Somebody remarked that India already has such a system albeit not as sophisticated as the US SOSUS in place in the Andamans sea and near Bombay High.<P>I personally feel that India does not have the technological prowess for something like this. I base this on the fact that India has not yet developed a linear towed array for IN ships. SOSUS systems are in effect very long non-towed linear arrays. On the other hand a Russian system could have been used.<P>However, such undersea systems are certainly a very important technical intelligence need especially covering the Andamans/Malacca straits, mouth of the red sea, Bombay High and approaches to all maor ports.<P>Nagadeva, these are common US/NATO designations. The IN follows British conventions in ship designations.<P>SOSUS = SOund SUrveillance System<P>SSN = Fast attack nuclear sub (Hunter Killer)<P>SSK = ---"---- diesel/AIP ("S" in the IN)<P>SSBN = Ballistic Missile Submarine Nuclear<P>SSGN = Cruise Missile Submarine Nuclear<P>CVN = Fleet Aircraft Carrier Nuclear<P>CV = Fleet Aircraft Carrier<P>CVL = Light Aircraft Carrier ("R" in the IN)<P>CVBG = Carrier Battle Group<P>CG = Guided Missile Cruiser (add N for nuclear, subtract G for no Guided missiles)<P>DDG = Guided Missile Destroyer ("D" in the IN)<P>FFG = Guided Missile Frigate ("F" in the IN)<P>FFL = Light Frigate<P>FSG = Guided Missile Corvette<P>LST = Landing Ship Tank<P>LSD = Landing Ship Dock<P>LHA = Landing Ship Helicopter Assault<P>LHD = Landing Ship Helicopter Dock<P>ARG = Amphibious Ready Group (typically carries a MEU [Marine Expeditionary Unit] or MEU/SOC [MEU Special Ops Capable]. An MEU is a reinforced Marine Battalion)<P>MCM = Mine Counter Measures ship (mine sweeper)<P>