Our Bureau
Visakhapatnam
India has marked a significant milestone in its naval capabilities with the commissioning of INS Arighat, the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine in the Arihant class. The ceremony took place on August 29, 2024, at the highly secretive shipbuilding center in Visakhapatnam, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior military officials.
INS Arighat enhances India’s nuclear deterrence and is part of the country’s broader strategy to establish a credible nuclear triad, which enables the launch of nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. This capability is vital for maintaining strategic stability in a region marked by rising tensions and nuclear threats. The submarine will work alongside its predecessor, INS Arihant, which became fully operational in 2018, to bolster India’s maritime defense posture.
The nearly 112-meter-long INS Arighat is powered by an 83 MW pressurized light-water reactor, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods, unlike conventional submarines that must surface frequently. With a displacement of around 6,000 tonnes, INS Arighat can achieve speeds of up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged and 12-15 knots (22-28 km/h) on the surface.
Armed with K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 kilometers, INS Arighat can carry up to 12 of these missiles or four K-4 SLBMs, which have a range of 3,500 kilometers. This advanced arsenal significantly enhances India’s second-strike capability, a crucial component of its “no-first-use” nuclear policy.
The construction of INS Arighat reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology. The submarine incorporates indigenous systems and equipment developed by Indian scientists and industry, showcasing advanced design and manufacturing capabilities. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance domestic defense production and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
The Indian government plans to build a total of five Arihant-class submarines, along with six nuclear attack submarines, as part of its long-term naval strategy. The next vessel in the series, INS Aridhaman, is expected to be larger, with a displacement of 7,000 tonnes and enhanced capabilities. This ongoing development reflects India’s ambition to strengthen its naval forces and maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.
The commissioning of INS Arighat is expected to alter the region’s strategic balance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that the submarine would play a decisive role in ensuring national security and establishing peace. The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighat will deter adversaries and safeguard India’s national interests, particularly in a geopolitical landscape characterized by nuclear-armed neighbors.
The induction of INS Arighat into the Indian Navy is a testament to India’s growing military capabilities and its resolve to maintain a robust defense mechanism.
