India Commissions Second Nuclear Submarine, INS Arighaat

August 30, 2024

India recently commissioned its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) called INS Arighaat. This event took place in Visakhapatnam and was a significant step in strengthening India’s defense capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned that this move is crucial for boosting India’s nuclear triad, which is a three-part system that includes land-based missiles, aircraft, and submarines capable of launching nuclear weapons. This makes India more secure against potential threats.

What is the SSBN Programme?

The SSBN programme is an important part of India’s defense strategy. SSBNs are submarines that can carry and launch ballistic missiles. INS Arighaat is the second submarine in this program, following INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016. The goal of this program is to give India a reliable second-strike capability. This means that even if an enemy attacks first, India can still respond with a powerful counterattack using these submarines.

What are the Technological Advancements in INS Arighaat?

INS Arighaat includes several technological improvements over INS Arihant, the first submarine in this series. These advancements include better design, construction techniques, and systems that were developed within India. This shows that India is becoming more self-reliant in creating advanced defense technology, which is important for maintaining a strong military.

Why is INS Arighaat Strategically Important?

The addition of INS Arighaat to India’s navy greatly enhances the country’s ability to deter, or prevent, threats from other nations. Both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat play a key role in keeping the region stable and secure. Defence Minister Singh emphasized that having these submarines helps maintain a strategic balance in the area, ensuring that India can protect itself effectively.

How Does this Impact India’s National Defence?

The SSBN programme, which includes INS Arighaat, is vital for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. This strategy ensures that India can respond to any nuclear attack with a powerful counterstrike, which discourages enemies from attacking in the first place. For example, in 2022, a successful missile test was conducted from INS Arihant, demonstrating that these submarines are ready for action. Building these submarines is essential for India to maintain a strong and ready military in a world where geopolitical challenges are constantly changing.

The commissioning of INS Arighaat is a major achievement in India’s defense strategy. It not only strengthens India’s military capabilities but also promotes self-reliance in developing advanced military equipment. This progress is vital for maintaining a strong and independent military that can protect India’s interests.

About Arihant-Class Submarines

Arihant-Class submarines are India’s first nuclear-powered submarines, designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles. The first in this series, INS Arihant, was commissioned in 2016. These submarines are 111 meters long and can dive deeper than 300 meters. They are equipped with advanced sonar, weapons systems, and stealth technology to remain undetected. Each submarine can carry 12 K-15 Sagarika missiles, which have a range of 750 kilometers. These features enhance India’s second-strike capability, which is crucial for its defense strategy.

About INS Arighaat

INS Arighaat is not just any submarine; it is the first submarine support vessel built entirely in India. Launched on 2009, it is designed to support fleet submarines during long operations. The vessel is 120 meters long and can carry a wide range of weapons and equipment. With a displacement of around 7,400 tons, INS Arighaat is equipped with advanced machinery, boosting India’s maritime capabilities. This vessel plays a key role in improving the operational readiness and logistics of India’s submarine missions.

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