India Set To Induct Third Nuclear Ballistic Submarine

India Set To Induct Third Nuclear Ballistic Submarine

Why in the News ?

India is preparing to induct Aridaman, its third Arihant-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The navy chief confirmed that the submarine is in the final trial stages, marking a major boost to India’s nuclear triad and strategic deterrence capabilities.

Major Expansion in India’s Nuclear Submarine Fleet:

●      Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi announced that INS Aridaman is nearing completion of trials and will be commissioned soon.

●      It will become India’s third Arihant-class SSBN, providing a stealthy sea-based platform for nuclear ballistic missiles.

●      A fourth SSBN, S-4*, is expected by 2027, extending underwater deterrence capacity.

●      The submarine strengthens India’s credible minimum deterrence and no-first-use nuclear doctrine.

●      India’s growing SSBN fleet places it among select global powers capable of submarine-based nuclear retaliation.

Key Naval Projects and Strategic Enhancements

●      The Navy’s Project 75I, worth ₹70,000 crore, is in advanced contract negotiations for constructing six next-generation conventional submarines.

●      Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) will co-build the submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for longer underwater endurance.

●      India’s second indigenous SSBN, INS Arighaat, commissioned in August 2024, already supports the nuclear triad.

●      The final Arihant-class submarines, including Aridaman and S-4*, are expected to field K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) with ranges up to 3,500 km.

●      India continues to upgrade sea-based deterrence as part of broader strategic preparedness against Pakistan and China, whose nuclear arsenals differ significantly.

About India’s Nuclear Doctrine & SSBN Program:

●      SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear): Nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching SLBMs, forming the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad.

●      Nuclear Triad: Ability to launch nuclear weapons from land (Agni missiles), air (Rafale, Sukhoi-30, Mirage-2000), and sea (Arihant-class SSBNs).

●      India’s Nuclear Doctrine (2003): Follows No First Use (NFU) and ensures massive retaliation to inflict unacceptable damage if attacked with nuclear weapons.

●      AIP Technology: Enhances underwater endurance of non-nuclear submarines, critical for sustained deployments.

●      Global SSBN Operators: Only US, Russia, UK, France, China, and India have operational sea-based nuclear delivery capabilities.