What's New

“ARIGHAAT- INDIA’S SECOND NUCLEAR SUBMARINE”

Syllabus:

• GS 3: Defence technology

Why in the News?

India’s second nuclear submarine, INS Arighaat, was commissioned yesterday, augmenting India’s nuclear warships and deterrence capabilities, symbolizing significant progress in civil defence technology.

 Source: Indian express 

Introduction

• INS Arighaat launch marks an important milestone in India’s defense capabilities, enhancing its three nuclear warships with advanced submarines.
• Development reflects India’s progress towards self-reliance in defense technology, strengthen its maritime capabilities and contributing to national security by enhancing indigenous innovation.

India’s nuclear triad

Nuclear deterrence

• INS Arighaat addition to the Indian Navy significantly enhances India’s nuclear triad, which is an integral part of its nuclear deterrence strategy.
• Nuclear triad refers to the capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air and sea on, Allowing for a safe second shot.
• With the launch of Arighaat, India will join a select group of countries — including the US, Russia, China and France — that have nuclear capabilities of this magnitude

INS Arighaat range capability

• INS Arighaat is India’s first SSBN a vast improvement over its predecessor INS Arihant.
• Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and internally developed systems, making it more reliable and trustwothry.
• Arighaat is powered by a small pressurized hydro nuclear reactor with a capacity of 83 MW, which enhances its stealth and survivability compared to traditional diesel and electric submarines.

Industrialization and Indigenous Elements

Increased participation

• Construction of INS Arighaat is an important step in India’s efforts to establish itself in the defence industry.
• The submarine encourages state-of-the-art facilities, with approximately 60% of the systems and equipment developed locally.
• This is a significant increase from INS Arihant’s 30% indigenous content, reflecting India’s progress in indigenous manufacturing of advanced defence technologies.

Industrial and technical development

• The development of Arighaat involves complex technology, advanced manufacturing and specialized infrastructure.
• This achievement is a proof to the capabilities of India’s defense-scientific community, including Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
• Moreover, submarine is developed with contribution of both public and private partners, showcasing India’s defence- industrial ecosystem.

Sea-based nuclear deterrence strategy- Strategic Relevance

Reliability

• The sea-based leg of the nuclear triad represented by Arighaat and other SSBNs is considered the most reliable and survivable nuclear deterrent.
• Unlike land-based missiles and nuclear weapons pitch the air, SSBNs can be concealed underwater, making it less likely that they will have a strike capability first, thus deterring potential adversaries from planning nuclear advances.

Adherence to “no first use” policy

• “No First Use” policy on which India’s nuclear doctrine is based on, means India will not be First to use nuclear weapons in war.
• The launch of INS Arighaat strengthens this policy by providing a reliable second-strike capability, ensuring that India can respond authoritatively to any nuclear strike.

Maintaining global and regional stability

Balance of power

• INS Arighaat deployment enhances India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean region and contributes to regional stability.
• As increasing security challenges and the presence of nuclear-armed states in the region, India’s robust sea-based nuclear solution acts as a deterrent to potential threats and helps to balance strategic a through operations, thus preventing any one country from dominating the region militarily.

Encouraging Global order through deterrence

• With aim of encouraging nuclear deterrence, India aims to promote peace and stability in the region.
• Strong nuclear deterrence discourages adversaries from acting aggressively or initiating conflict and war like situation, thereby reducing the likelihood of nuclear escalation.
• Indian Navy’s induction of Arighaat indicate India’s strong determination to maintain peace and stability in the region through strength and defence capabilites.

Future possibilities and opportunities

Expansion of Indigenous power

• Arighaat’s successful commission mark the way for future growth and development in India’s submarine capabilities and strength.
• Understanding developed from the construction and operation of Arighaat can be used to develop and evolve more advanced SSBNs and conventional submarines.
• This experience will help to,
  • reduce dependence on foreign technology and suppliers
  • enhance India’s strategic autonomy in defence sector.

Technological and commercial impact

• The construction of INS Arighaat economic implications like
  • Enhances productivity
  • Inspires the defence sector players
  • Creation of jobs
  • Encourage innovation,
  • helps boost India’s defence-industrial complex
• Continued investment in such projects would not only strengthen national security but also generate economic benefits through increased employment and technological development.

Expanding knowledge while navigating challenges

• Arighaat is a significant achievement, while also poses challenges like
  • technical, operational and training requirements.
• However, these challenges provide opportunities for growth and development within the security sector.
• Overcoming these obstacles will enhance the skills and capabilities of the Indian Navy and scientists and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

INS Arighaat’s commissioning has boosted India’s defence capabilities showing its strategic commitment to global and regional stability.

Source:Indian Express

Mains Practice Question:

Analyse the launch of arighaat in strengthening India’s sea-based defence capabilities, how it will contribute to global and regional stability while maintaining nuclear deterrence.

Associated article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/new-indian-naval-ship-ins-arighaat-launched-to-bolster-indias-nuclear-power-city/