India confirms commissioning of second nuke submarine, China reacts

India confirms commissioning of second nuke submarine, China reacts

INS Arighat, India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthens the country's nuclear deterrent and second-strike capabilities, with its commissioning led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Visakhapatnam.

durgesh dubey
30 Aug, 2024

nuke submarine

With the commissioning of INS Arighat, India strengthens its nuclear deterrent and second-strike capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to commission the country’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat, at a discreet event in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. This strategic asset will operate under India's strategic command, enhancing the country's nuclear triad.

INS Arighat, a 6,000-tonne SSBN, will embark on long-range patrols in the Indo-Pacific, armed with 750-km range K-15 nuclear ballistic missiles. The Indian Navy will now have two SSBNs, INS Arihant (S-2) and INS Arighat, patrolling the high seas, significantly bolstering India's second-strike capability.

The commissioning of INS Arighat marks a critical milestone in India's defence capabilities, with the submarine being a more advanced version of INS Arihant. The defence ministry has remained tight-lipped about the classified project, but it is understood that the SSBN has undergone significant technological upgrades, making it a formidable addition to the naval fleet.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, Vice Admiral Suraj Berry, and top DRDO officials, will attend the commissioning ceremony. The event signifies a major boost to India's industrial sector, particularly MSMEs, and is a testament to the government's resolve to achieve self-reliance in defence.

Looking ahead, India plans to commission its third SSBN, INS Aridaman (S4), next year, followed by a fourth SSBN codenamed S-4*. The Indian Navy has also sought approval for two nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines (SSNs) from the Modi government, further enhancing the country’s strategic maritime capabilities.

INS Arighat, built by the Shipbuilding Centre in Visakhapatnam, can travel at speeds of up to 24 knots submerged and 12–15 knots on the surface. It is equipped with four launch tubes capable of carrying 12 K-15 SLBMs or up to four K-4 SLBMs with a range of over 3,500 km. This commissioning marks a significant step forward in India's long-term submarine acquisition and capabilities plan, which includes six nuclear attack submarines and additional Arihant-class boats.

The Indian Navy is also set to enhance its capabilities with the addition of the guided missile destroyer INS Surat, the stealth guided missile frigate INS Taragiri, and the sixth Kalvari-class attack submarine INS Vagsheer, all scheduled for commissioning in the next six months. These additions, along with future projects, will further solidify India's position as a dominant maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.

In response, a Chinese expert quoted by the Global Times emphasized that nuclear weapons should be used to ensure peace and stability, rather than for displays of power or nuclear blackmail.