In a significant leap for India’s naval prowess, the country’s second nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the INS Arighat, is set to join the Indian Navy soon. This development marks a critical milestone in India’s indigenous nuclear submarine program, which has been steadily advancing since the commissioning of its first SSBN, the INS Arihant, in 2018.
The INS Arighat is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology, with approximately 96% of its components sourced domestically. This not only underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities but also reflects a broader strategy of reducing dependence on foreign technology. The project, which includes the construction of six more nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), is estimated to cost over Rs 1 lakh crore (around $12 billion).
The INS Arighat: A Closer Look
The INS Arighat, like its predecessor, the INS Arihant, measures 111 meters in length and was constructed at the Visakhapatnam shipyard. Weighing over 6,000 tons, the Arighat is expected to incorporate several upgrades in electronics, computers, and propulsion systems based on lessons learned from the Arihant’s nearly five years of service.
With a surface speed of 12-15 knots (22 to 28 km/h) and a submerged speed of up to 24 knots (44 km/h), the INS Arighat is designed for stealth and endurance. It is equipped with 12 K-15 nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, capable of striking targets over 750 kilometers away. Additionally, the submarine can carry four larger K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which have a range of up to 3,500 kilometers—potentially putting critical strategic locations such as Beijing within reach when launched from the northern Bay of Bengal.
This enhanced capability positions the Arighat as a crucial component of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The development of these submarines is part of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) program, initiated in 1974 under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
India is set to Become Submarine Manufacturing Hub in Asia Pacific
Looking Ahead: More Submarines on the Horizon
The INS Arighat is only the beginning. The third submarine in this series, the INS Aridhaman, is expected to be commissioned by next year. A fourth, even larger and more advanced submarine is also under development. Expected to weigh around 13,500 tons, these next-generation SSBNs will have the capacity to carry 12-16 K-4 or K-5 missiles, further enhancing India’s strategic capabilities.
The Regional Context: China’s Jin-Class SSBNs
India’s advancements come at a time of growing naval competition in the region. China, India’s primary strategic rival, currently operates six Jin-class SSBNs. These submarines are 135 meters long, 12.5 meters wide, and can travel at speeds exceeding 20 knots underwater. The ongoing modernization of China’s SSBN fleet underscores the importance of India’s efforts to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent.
Submarines Explained: Diesel-Electric vs. Nuclear-Powered
Submarines, the silent sentinels of the seas, can be powered by either diesel-electric engines or nuclear reactors, both of which can be armed with nuclear warheads.
- Diesel-Electric Submarines: These submarines use electric motors powered by diesel engines. While operating on electric power, they are quieter, but they need to surface frequently to recharge their batteries, making them more susceptible to detection. Diesel-electric submarines are generally smaller and less expensive to maintain.
- Nuclear-Powered Submarines: These submarines are powered by nuclear reactors, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods—limited only by crew provisions. They are typically larger and more expensive, but their ability to remain undetected for long durations makes them a formidable presence in any naval fleet.
As India continues to expand its nuclear submarine fleet, the commissioning of the INS Arighat is a clear signal of the nation’s intent to bolster its maritime security and strategic deterrence in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
