New Delhi: India will soon induct its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced, marking a significant boost to the nation’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.
The milestone follows the formal commissioning of the second SSBN, INS Arighaat, into the Strategic Forces Command in Visakhapatnam in August. With Aridhaman entering service, India will—for the first time—have three operational SSBNs deployed at sea.
INS Aridhaman, currently undergoing advanced trials, has been designed to carry more long-range, nuclear-tipped missiles than the earlier INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Its larger configuration enhances strike reach and survivability, both crucial pillars of India’s nuclear doctrine.
A fourth SSBN is also under construction and will further strengthen India’s nuclear triad. Both upcoming submarines have the capacity to carry additional K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, owing to their expanded hull design, as earlier reported.
All four submarines are being developed under the classified Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme, initiated in the 1990s with an estimated outlay exceeding ₹90,000 crore. Despite progress, India’s SSBN fleet remains modest compared to major nuclear powers. China currently fields six Jin-class SSBNs with JL-3 missiles (10,000-km range) and six nuclear attack submarines, while the U.S. operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs and 53 nuclear attack boats. (Agencies)
