The Indian Navy has recently commissioned INS Arighat, its second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), scoring a striking milestone in India’s maritime and nuclear capabilities.

Let us delve into the intricate details of SSBN INS Arighat, highlighting its weaponry, engineering significance, specifications, and its crucial role in India’s defense tactics.

Weaponry and Missiles

INS Arighat is primed with a staggering list of weapons, making it an exceptional asset in India’s naval capabilities. The submarine is armed to teeth with 12 K-15 Sagarika missiles, each with a range of 750 kilometers, and can also carry 4 K-4 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), which have a range exceeding 3,500 kilometers. These missiles enhance India’s second-strike capability, promising a powerful nuclear deterrent.

Engineering Details and Specifications

INS Arighat is an upgraded variant of the Arihant-class submarines. It measures 111.6 meters in length, has a beam of 11 meters, and a draught of 9.5 meters. The submarine displaces around 6,000 Tonnes and is powered by an 83 MW pressurized light-water nuclear reactor, developed with Russian assistance. This reactor allows the submarine to achieve a top speed of 24 knots while submerged and 10 knots on the surface.

The submarine’s design comprises a double hull, two stand-by auxiliary engines, and a retractable thruster for emergency power and mobility. These features make sure enhanced endurance and survivability, enabling the submarine to remain submerged for longer periods, a key to stealth capabilities.

Indigenous Content and Technological Advancements

One of the standout features of SSBN INS Arighat is its high indigenous content. Compared to its predecessor, INS Arihant, the indigenization content in Arighat has grown from 30% to 60%. This crucial growth reflects India’s evolving self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Nuclear Deterrent Capability and Political Significance

SSBN INS Arighat accepts a strategic role in augmenting India’s nuclear triad, which comprises of land-based ballistic nuclear missiles, air-delivered nuclear weapons, and submarine-launched ballistic nuclear missiles. The submarine’s capacity to launch nuclear missiles from underwater environment makes it a colossal deterrent against potential enemies. This capability guarantees that India can maintain a reliable second-strike capability, which is essential for its “No First Use” nuclear policy.

The commissioning of SSBN INS Arighat has immense political implications as well. It reinforces India’s tactical posture in the Indo-Pacific region, providing a strong deterrent against any naval threat. The submarine’s patrol capabilities in this geopolitically sensitive area, especially Indian Ocean, amid an aggressive Chinese Navy, indicates India’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

During Commissioning Ceremony, Mr. Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Navy, DRDO & Industrial stake holders who have contributed to building this highly strategic asset for India.

International Comments and Reactions

The commissioning of INS Arighat has attracted attention from the international community. Experts have noted that the increase in number of nuclear SSBN Submarines to India’s Navy fleet massively boosts its naval security and nuclear capabilities. This SSBN Submarine’s advanced features and indigenous content have been praised as an indication to India’s growing dexterity in defense technology.

However, China has tried to caution India to act responsibly after this major addition of nuclear SSBN submarine, through their official mouthpiece media tabloid, i.e. Global Times.

SSBN INS Arighat is not just a submarine for India; it is a sign of India’s technological promotion and Its commissioning marks a strategic step towards maintaining a tactical posture in Indian Ocean & Beyond and the readiness with a reliable second-strike capability.

SSBN INS Arighat stands as a beacon of Indian Navy’s commitment to preserving India’s national interests & at the same time, also a projection of India as a responsible nuclear power, with its no-first-use policy. Indian Navy gets fortified with one stronger & more reliable home-grown nuclear submarine, that promises to maintain a check in the Indian Ocean & Indo-Pacific Waters.

The induction of SSBN INS Arighat is very much time-sensitive & beneficial, because India is currently extremely sensitive of growing Chinese Navy presence in Indian Ocean Region (IOR), right in their backyard. Moreover, India is the only reliable, responsible & militarily powerful nation in the region, which respects international rules & UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.