India has commissioned its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat.
About INS Arighat
- INS Arighat is the second Arihant-class submarine, developed under India’s Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
- This SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear) significantly enhances India’s nuclear triad.
- It is equipped with advanced features, including an 83 MW pressurized light-water reactor, developed with Russian assistance.
- It has four large vertical launch system (VLS) tubes, capable of carrying K-15 Sagarika Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), which have a range of over 700 km.
- Despite being similar in size and displacement to INS Arihant, INS Arighat can carry more K-15 missiles.
Nuclear Powered Submarines of India:
- India’s nuclear submarine program is a key component of its defense strategy.
- The Arihant-class submarines, which include INS Arihant and INS Arighat, are built indigenously under the ATV project. INS Arihant, the first in the series, was commissioned in 2016.
- It successfully tested its K-4 SLBMs in 2022, with a range exceeding 3,500 km. India has also secured a $3 billion deal with Russia for the lease of an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine.
- Future developments include the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, a 7,000-tonne submarine capable of carrying K-4 missiles, expected next year.
Significance
- Nuclear Deterrence: INS Arighat strengthens India’s nuclear triad, enhancing its second-strike capability, which is critical given India’s ‘no first-use’ nuclear policy.
- Strategic Stability: The addition of INS Arighat helps maintain strategic stability in South Asia, especially in light of nuclear threats from neighboring China and Pakistan.
- Naval Power: It marks a step towards India’s ambition of becoming a blue-water navy, capable of operating across the deep oceans.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Contributes to India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, providing critical defense and attack capabilities.
Issues
- China Challenge: India faces a significant challenge from China, which operates six Jin-class SSBNs, each equipped with JL-2 ballistic missiles with a range of 7,200 km, far surpassing the range of India’s K-15 missiles.
- Sustained Investment: There are concerns over the lack of sustained investment and continuous technological advancement in India’s submarine capabilities. Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining parity with regional adversaries.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is INS Arighat?
INS Arighat is the second Arihant-class nuclear submarine developed under India’s Advanced Technology Vessel project.
What is the role of a nuclear-powered submarine in a navy?
Nuclear-powered submarines provide stealth, long endurance, and a platform for strategic weapons, essential for deterrence and power projection.
What is the significance of India’s ‘no first-use’ nuclear policy?
India’s ‘no first-use’ policy commits to not using nuclear weapons unless first attacked by an adversary, emphasizing defensive and deterrent roles.