India’s second Ballistic Missile Nuclear submarine
The Indian Navy has launched its latest ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat which is a major boost to India’s maritime security. After INS Arihant, this is the second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to be commissioned. Moreover, INS Arighat symbolises an important progression in India’s planned defence abilities. Following INS Arihant, Arighat is prepared with nuclear force and is capable of beginning submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of over 3,500 kilometres.
By providing a safe and survivable second-strike capability, this submarine improves India’s nuclear triad. It has also been analysed that INS Arighat strengthens India’s strategic deterrence with advanced furtiveness features, automation, and leading-edge sonar systems. However, the Indian Ocean area bolsters its marine presence and highlights the country’s growing independence in defence technology.
Origin and Development of INS Arighat
The INS Arighat is indigenously established in India as part of the Indian Navy’s Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. In Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh the submarine was constructed at the Ship Building Centre (SBC). However, with various agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and other Indian agencies the Indian Navy has collaborated to establish this submarine.
However, the submarine’s structure imitates India’s rising expertise in nuclear submarine technology and its promise of self-reliance in protection. It was launched in 2017, but since then, it has been going through various testing and sea trials. It is also known as the upgraded version of the first missile submarine, INS Arihant. Finally, after various testing and trials, the Indian Navy has decided to launch this INS Arighat as part of India’s strategic deterrence capabilities. It is the proud movement of the Indian Navy that they are capable of making such advanced technology of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN).
India’s Submarine Program
Since its inception in the 1960s, India’s submarine program has evolved significantly. However, with the achievement of conservative submarines from the Soviet Union, the Indian Navy’s mission was to be self-reliant in underwater fighting. As we know, India has developed a healthy submarine navy, including conventional submarines, nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) over the decades.
Moreover, under the Indian Navy’s Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, INS Arihant is the first SSBN to be commissioned, marking a pivotal moment in India’s planned deterrence capabilities. INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016, has made India the sixth country globally to function as a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. The introduction of INS Arighat further improves this ability, reflecting India’s promise to uphold a credible nuclear warning.
Technological Advancements of INS Arighat
India has launched the INS Arighat, which is the second Ballistic missile submarine equipped with advanced technology that significantly improves its operational capabilities. By an 83 MW pressurized water reactor, this submarine is powered, which enables extended underwater operations without surfacing. However, it increased its stealth and endurance. Moreover, this submarine is armed with the K-4 (SLBMs) which is capable of delivering nuclear missiles with a range of over 3,500 kilometres.
However, it is also designed to transmit multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing for immediate strikes on numerous targets. Its low acoustic signature further improves the submarine’s stealth. Therefore, achieved with anechoic tiles and advanced design on the hull. The control system and cutting-edge automation have been featured in the INS Arighat, as it has improved operational efficiency and reduced the required crew size.
However, there are more features in this submarine, which is equipped with sophisticated sonar and communication systems. It helps the navy detect enemy vessels and maintain secure communication with other marine assets and command centres. Therefore, all this advanced technology will make the INS Arighat a formidable asset in India’s naval arsenal. In the Indian Ocean Region, it expressively boosting the country’s planned deterrence capabilities and its ability to project power. As it helps India to be self-reliant and strong on the waterways side.
Strategic Significance of INS Arighat
In enhancing India’s strategic deterrence, INS Arighat plays a crucial role in power projection in the Indian Ocean Region. As we know, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine forms a key section of India’s nuclear triad, which provides a safe and survivable second-strike ability. However, it is important for credible nuclear deterrence. India can retaliate, which is being ensured by the submarine’s ability to launch nuclear missiles from underwater.
Therefore, even if its land-based assets are negotiated, it discourages possible challengers from seeing a first strike. Where regional competition and safety concerns are increasing in the geopolitically vital IOR. The INS Arighat knowingly strengthens India’s naval presence and deterrence posture. Moreover, it contradicts the growing influence of China. It has also been noticed that India is improving its ability to protect the maritime border through this submarine. By securing its Exclusive Economic Zone and the critical sea lanes of communication.
In defence, manufacturing the submarine’s induction also highlights India’s growing self-reliance by reflecting its technological ability. Moreover, its national interests in a complex and evolving security environment strategic focus on securing. Therefore, the INS Arighat is a powerful addition to India’s marine navy as well as a planned asset that fortifies India’s situation as a key maritime power in the area.
Challenges and Future Prospects
In the Indian Navy fleet, the induction of the INS Arighat has set an important milestone. However, it also brings numerous challenges and future prospects that should be navigated carefully. Operating this new INS Arighat requires highly specialized training and expertise. To handle sophisticated technology, safeguarding that naval personnel are sufficiently trained and maintaining the submarine’s multifaceted systems is paramount.
However, logistical and technical support is needed to keep up with such an advanced vessel. Therefore, in upholding the nuclear reactor and safeguarding the submarine’s willingness for lengthy deployments. Strategically, with the wider regional security dynamics, India must achieve equilibrium and improve its naval capabilities. Among the neighbouring countries, the introduction of the INS Arighat could be triggering concerns. Therefore, the Indian Ocean Region may lead to an arms race. Diplomatically, India’s essential work is to promise its neighbours that its military progressions are meant to safeguard its national welfare rather than undermining regional peace.
In addition, to increase and modernize its submarine fleet, the hiring of INS Arighat is part of India’s wider plan. However, to uphold India’s planned edge, the growth of next-generation submarines with better stealth, mechanization, and firepower is important. In proceeding India’s submarine abilities, the International, teamwork in skill transfer, joint growth, and training will also play a vital role. Moreover, the positive development of INS Arighat highlights the importance of self-reliance in protection technology as India seeks to improve its native defence manufacturing. Therefore, in sustaining and progressing India’s naval prowess, continued investment in research and development, along with partnerships with international defence businesses, will be vital.
Therefore, in India’s strategic defence capabilities, the launch of INS Arighat represents a significant leap, especially in the realm of nuclear deterrence and submerged warfare. However, the Indian Navy continues to update its fleet and improve its maritime abilities. The INS Arighat will play a pivotal role in the defense of India’s national refuge and in declaring its effect on the Indian Ocean Region.
However, to uphold a trustworthy second-strike capability, the submarine’s induction underscores India’s promise, safeguarding that it remains a formidable force in the region. However, the experiments associated with functioning and upholding such progressive technology, as well as the need for planned balancing in a multifaceted geopolitical situation, must be carefully achieved. As India continues to build on its Indigenous defence abilities, the fruitful growth and hiring of INS Arighat serve as evidence of the country’s rising technological ability and self-reliance in protection manufacturing.
FAQ
What is INS Arighat?
INS Arighat is India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). To launch submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), it is part of India’s strategic deterrence force, designed and contributed to the nation’s nuclear triad.
Why is INS Arighat important for India?
By providing a secure second-strike capability, INS Arighat strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence. In the Indian Ocean Region, it enhances India’s strategic presence and contributes to the security of its maritime borders and sea lanes.
How does INS Arighat compare to INS Arihant?
INS Arighat is an upgraded version of INS Arihant. However, it is filled with the latest technology, carries more SLBMs with extended range, and has a lower audio signature, making it harder to detect.
What role does INS Arighat play in India’s defence strategy?
INS Arighat is a serious component of India’s nuclear triad, safeguarding that India can react even if its land-based and air-based nuclear assets are cooperated.
What are the key features of INS Arighat?
INS Arighat is fortified with an 83 MW pressurized water reactor for nuclear force. It can carry K-4 SLBMs, capable of delivering nuclear missiles over 3,500 kilometres.
