India’s second indigenously designed and built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighaat was commissioned on Thursday thereby adding to country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities and boosting operational readiness. The first nuclear powered submarine INS Arihant was commissioned in 2016.
The second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Ministry said here.
In his address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that ‘Arighaat’ will further strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country.
He described it as an achievement for the nation and a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s unwavering resolve to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.
The defence minister commended the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Industry for their hard work and synergy in achieving this capability. He termed this self-reliance as the foundation of self power. He appreciated the fact that the country’s industrial sector, especially MSMEs, have received a huge boost through this project, and more employment opportunities have been created.
Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s political will which put India on a par with a nuclear weapon state, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Today, India is surging ahead to become a developed country. It is essential for us to develop rapidly in every field, including defence, especially in today’s geopolitical scenario.
Along with economic prosperity, we need a strong military. Our Government is working on mission mode to ensure that our soldiers possess top-quality weapons and platforms made on Indian soil” .
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.
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.
The second submarine INS Arighat was commissioned in Visakhapatnam at Ship Building Centre (SBC).
The submarine was launched in 2017 at its manufacturing base, Ship Building Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam.
In fact, the SBC is building five nuclear powered submarines.
While Arihant is already operational and Arighat commissioned on Thursday, work is now on the remaining two submarines. They are in advanced stage of construction, it was learnt.
INS Arighat is 111.6 meters long and weighs 6,000 tonnes. It plays a crucial role in India’s nuclear triad, enabling the nation to launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea.
Powered by an 82.5 MW pressurized light water reactor developed with Russian assistance, INS Arighat can achieve a top speed of 24 knots submerged and 10 knots on the surface.
Its primary armament consists of 12 K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), each with a range exceeding 700 kilometers. These missiles are housed in four large vertical launch system (VLS) tubes and are a testament to India’s indigenous missile development capabilities.
The submarine is divided into seven compartments, housing propulsion and combat management systems, a platform management center, and a torpedo room. Additional safety measures include two standby auxiliary engines and a retractable thruster for emergency power and mobility.
