India to Commission Third Nuclear Submarine in Six Months Amidst Border Tensions with China

India is gearing up to bolster its maritime defense capabilities with the imminent commissioning of its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) within the next six months. This development is particularly significant given the ongoing border tensions with China, where the strategic need for a robust nuclear deterrent is more crucial than ever.

The new SSBN, expected to be named INS Aridhaman, is currently undergoing rigorous sea trials and is set to join its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, in the country's Strategic Forces Command. INS Aridhaman is a significant upgrade over the earlier submarines, with a larger displacement and enhanced missile-carrying capacity. This submarine is designed to carry more long-range nuclear-tipped missiles, further extending India’s second-strike capability.

The recent induction of INS Arighaat, which took place at the shipbuilding center in Visakhapatnam, marked a major milestone in India’s naval capabilities. INS Arighaat, with its 6,000-tonne displacement and four missile silos, can deploy K-4 ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers. This range is a substantial improvement over the 750-kilometer range of the K-15 missiles carried by INS Arihant. The enhanced range of the K-4 missiles is crucial for maintaining a credible deterrent, particularly in the context of the military standoff with China.

India’s SSBNs are a cornerstone of its nuclear triad, which comprises land-based missiles, air-launched nuclear weapons, and sea-based nuclear deterrents. The ability of these submarines to remain submerged for extended periods allows them to operate with stealth, providing a secure platform for retaliatory strikes in the event of a nuclear attack. This strategic capability is essential for deterring adversaries and ensuring national security.

INS Aridhaman, with its advanced indigenous technology, represents a significant leap in India’s underwater warfare capabilities. The submarine is designed to be more capable than its predecessors, with improved stealth, endurance, and firepower. Alongside INS Arighaat and INS Arihant, INS Aridhaman will play a critical role in enhancing India’s deterrence posture and maintaining strategic stability in the region.

India’s SSBN program is part of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, which has been underway since the 1990s. The project, with a budget exceeding Rs 90,000 crore, aims to develop a fleet of nuclear submarines to secure India’s maritime borders and project power in the Indian Ocean. Although smaller than the SSBNs of other major powers like the United States, China, and Russia, India’s submarines are a vital component of its defense strategy.

China, with its fleet of six Jin-class SSBNs equipped with 10,000-kilometer range JL-3 missiles, and its growing number of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), presents a significant challenge to India’s security. In response, India is not only expanding its SSBN fleet but also planning to develop more advanced submarines. These include a future class of 13,500-tonne SSBNs with more powerful 190 MW reactors, capable of carrying even more long-range missiles.

In addition to the SSBNs, India is also pursuing a project to build two 6,000-tonne nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). These 'hunter-killer' submarines, armed with torpedoes and missiles, will add another layer to India’s naval capabilities. The project, estimated to cost Rs 40,000 crore, is awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by the Prime Minister. Once approved, the project is expected to take a decade to complete, further enhancing India’s ability to defend its maritime interests.

As India prepares to commission INS Aridhaman, the country takes another step towards securing its place as a formidable maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region. With tensions simmering along its northern borders, these advancements in naval capabilities will be crucial in maintaining a strategic balance and ensuring the nation’s security.