India is poised to commission its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the INS Arighat, marking a significant milestone nearly seven years after its initial launch. The submarine, built at the Indian Navy's Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, is set to join the fleet alongside its sister vessel, INS Arihant, which has been fully operational since 2018.

The INS Arighat, launched in November 2017, boasts impressive specifications: it measures 111.6 meters in length, with a beam of 11 meters, a draught of 9.5 meters, and a displacement of 6,000 tonnes. Powered by an 82.5 MW pressurized light water reactor (LWR) developed with Russian assistance, the submarine can achieve a top speed of 24 knots and a surfaced speed of 10 knots.

Armed with 12 K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the INS Arighat enhances India's strategic deterrence capabilities. The submarine's design includes four large vertical launch system (VLS) tubes to carry the Sagarika SLBMs, which have a range of over 700 kilometers.

Constructed with Russian steel equivalent to US HY-80 grade, the INS Arighat is divided into seven compartments, housing its propulsion and combat management systems, platform management center, and torpedo room. The submarine also features a double hull with ballast tanks, auxiliary engines, and a retractable thruster for emergency power and mobility.

As India advances its naval capabilities, the INS Arighat's commissioning is part of a broader effort to enhance security in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in response to China's growing naval presence. The submarine is joining the country's strategic assets alongside future additions like the INS Aridhaman, which will carry K-4 missiles with a 3,500-kilometer range.