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With this Addition, Indian navy now has two SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear) submarines (INS Arihant and INS Arighat).
India’s Nuclear Powered Submarines
- Arihant-class submarines are being developed and built indigenously under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project.
- INS Arihant, India's first indigenous nuclear submarine under ATV project, was commissioned in 2016.
- INS Arihant carried out a successful launch of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) in 2022.
- It can carry up to four nuclear-capable K-4 SLBMs (Range exceeding 3,500 km) or twelve K-15 SLBMs (Range of around 750 km).
- INS Arihant, India's first indigenous nuclear submarine under ATV project, was commissioned in 2016.
- In 2019, India signed a $3 billion deal with Russia to lease an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine for 10 years.
Significance
- Nuclear Deterrence capability:
- Strengthening nuclear triad (consisting of Land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, Submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and Strategic bombers).
- Credible second-strike capability: In line with India’s ‘no first-use policy’.
- Strategic Significance: SSBN will help maintain strategic stability in South Asia, particularly in context of India’s nuclear-armed neighbors, China and Pakistan.
- Increased India's naval prowess: By building towards blue water naval capability (Navy that operates into deep oceans).
- Other Significance: Contributing towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, enabling critical defense and attack capabilities etc.
Issues with India’s Submarine capabilities
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