India’s INS Arighat: Second Nuclear Submarine Ready to Join the Fleet

In a landmark move to enhance its naval prowess, India is gearing up to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, the INS Arighat. This sophisticated vessel, which has recently completed its trials, is expected to officially enter service within the next two months. The INS Arighat represents a significant step in India's strategic defense, aligning with the nation's aim to strengthen its nuclear deterrent capabilities.

Submarine Specifications and Trials

The INS Arighat, a formidable 6,000-ton submarine, was constructed at the Visakhapatnam shipyard. It is equipped with nuclear missiles and has successfully completed its rigorous testing and upgrades. This new addition will join the INS Arihant, India's first nuclear-powered submarine that has been operational since 2018. Both submarines are integral to India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, enhancing the country’s ability to project power and maintain strategic stability.

Future Plans and Capabilities

The INS Arighat will be armed with K-15 missiles, which have a range of 750 kilometers. These are similar to those on the INS Arihant but with improved carrying capacity. The next vessel in the series, the INS Aridhaman, is scheduled to be commissioned next year and will feature K-4 missiles with a range of 3,500 kilometers. Additionally, the fourth SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) currently under construction is set to carry an even greater number of K-4 missiles. 

Looking ahead, India plans to develop larger SSBNs, each weighing 13,500 tons and powered by advanced 190 MW reactors. These upgrades aim to bolster the country's deterrence capabilities further. 

India is also moving forward with plans for two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). These submarines, which will be approximately 95% indigenous, are designed to carry torpedoes and missiles for anti-ship and land-attack missions. The project, which is awaiting final approval, is expected to take around a decade to complete.

Strategic Objectives and Regional Context

India’s expanding submarine fleet is part of a broader strategy to counter the growing naval presence of China in the Indian Ocean. The country's goal is to establish a comprehensive submarine force comprising 18 diesel-electric submarines, four SSBNs, and six SSNs. This force is intended to address potential threats from China and Pakistan effectively.

Currently, India operates one SSBN (INS Arihant) and 16 diesel-electric submarines. The larger SSBNs with extended-range missiles will enhance India’s deterrent capabilities by ensuring secure and credible retaliatory options. SSNs, known for their high speed and extended submerged operations, will provide India with superior offensive capabilities compared to diesel-electric submarines, which require frequent surfacing.

In contrast, China possesses a significantly larger submarine fleet, including about 60 submarines. This fleet features six Jin-class SSBNs armed with JL-3 missiles that have a range of up to 10,000 kilometers, along with six SSNs.

The commissioning of the INS Arighat underscores India's commitment to advancing its naval capabilities and maintaining a robust strategic deterrent in the face of regional challenges.