3 min readNew DelhiAug 30, 2024 07:37 AM IST
First published on: Aug 30, 2024 at 03:35 AM IST
India Thursday got its second nuclear submarine with the commissioning of INS Arighaat into the Navy, a move that will significantly boost the country’s deterrence capability.
The discreet commissioning ceremony of the Arihant-class vessel in Visakhapatnam was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He said in his address that INS Arighaat will “enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country.”
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.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the commissioning of INS Arighaat in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. (ANI) 
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