Indian Navy is set to commission INS Aridhaman, the country’s third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), in a major boost to India’s strategic defence capabilities.
Built under India’s secretive Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme, this development significantly strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence and maritime security, reinforcing its position among a select group of nations with nuclear submarine capability.
Key Highlights
- INS Aridhaman (S4): Third SSBN of India
- Part of Arihant-class submarines
- Larger and more advanced than INS Arihant (2016) and INS Arighaat (2024)
- Operates under Strategic Forces Command
- Strengthens India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence
About INS Aridhaman
INS Aridhaman is a 7,000-tonne nuclear-powered submarine, designed for stealth, endurance, and strategic deterrence.
- Built at Visakhapatnam under ATV programme
- Powered by 83 MW Compact Light Water Reactor
- Equipped with:
- Advanced indigenous sonar systems
- Acoustic suppression technologies for stealth
- Enhances survivability and underwater operational capability.
Missile Capabilities
A major upgrade over earlier SSBNs:
- 8 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes (double of earlier submarines)
- Can carry:
- 24 K-15 Sagarika missiles (range: 750 km)
- OR 8 K-4 missiles (range: 3,500 km)
- Expected to support future K-5 missiles (~6,000 km range)
- Significantly improves India’s second-strike capability.
Strategic Importance
Strengthening Nuclear Triad
- With INS Aridhaman, India reinforces its nuclear triad (land, air, sea-based delivery systems), ensuring credible minimum deterrence.
- Enables continuous at-sea deterrence, where at least one SSBN remains deployed at all times.
Base and Deployment
- Likely to be stationed at Project Varsha (Visakhapatnam)
- High-security naval base for India’s nuclear submarine fleet
India’s SSBN Programme: Background
- First SSBN: INS Arihant (launched 2009, commissioned 2016)
- Second SSBN: INS Arighaat (commissioned 2024)
- Fourth SSBN: Under sea trials (similar class)
- Fifth SSBN: Under development (larger and more advanced)
- Programme is highly classified and strategic.
Broader Submarine Modernisation
Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSNs)
- India plans indigenous SSNs by 2036–37
- Approved by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
Other Developments
- Induction of Russian Akula-class submarine (Chakra III)
- Project-75(I): Advanced diesel-electric submarines with AIP
- Project 76: 12 indigenous submarines (future roadmap)
Global Context
- India joins an elite group of countries with nuclear-powered submarines: USA, Russia, UK, France, China