Russia: September 2, 2005

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The Russian navy is apparently preparing two late model two Akula class nuclear submarines, for transfer to India. The subs will be leased, with the option to buy. The two subs are still under construction, one is 70-85 percent complete, the other is 40-60 percent complete. India will pay some $25 million a year to lease the two boats. Total costs of each boat, including crew training, is about a billion dollars. This deal has been in the works for over a decade, and has yet to be finalized and publicly announced.