India gets its second nuclear submarine with commissioning of INS Arighaat

INS Arighaat will join its predecessor INS Arihant strengthening the country’s nuclear triad — the ability to fire nuclear missiles from platforms in the air, land and sea.

The 6,000-tonne nuclear-propelled submarine will be armed with indigenously made K-15 missiles which have a range of over 700 km, and have undergone extensive trials over the last few months. Like INS Arihant, it is powered by 83 MW pressurised light-water reactors which allows it to remain submerged for longer periods when compared to conventional submarines. Being difficult to detect, the nuclear submarines will strengthen India’s ability to carry out retaliatory strikes when necessary.

The INS Arihant project was initiated over three decades ago, involving Russian assistance, private companies and the research establishment. The first-in-class vessel was commissioned into the Navy in August 2016 and had conducted its first deterrence patrol in 2018, thus completing the establishment of India’s nuclear triad. INS Arihant had also carried out a successful launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in October 2022.

While INS Arighaat was commissioned Thursday, two larger ballistic missile submarines are currently being built.

At the ceremony, Defence Minister Singh applauded the Indian Navy, DRDO and the industry for their hard work and synergy in achieving this capability, stating that the country’s industrial sector, especially MSMEs, have received a huge boost through this project, and more employment opportunities have been created.

A Defence Ministry statement issued on the development said the construction of INS Arighaat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research and development, utilisation of special materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship.

“It has the distinction of having the indigenous systems and equipment which were conceptualised, designed, manufactured and integrated by the Indian scientists, industry and naval personnel,” it said.

The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on this submarine make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor Arihant. The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will enhance India’s capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests.