INS Aridhaman, India’s nuclear submarine, set for induction
Giving a significant boost to its operational capabilities, the Navy will soon induct INS Aridhaman, India’s third indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi announced on Tuesday.
In the annual press conference ahead of the Navy Day on December 4, he said the advanced submarine had entered the final stages of its trials. The new submarine, equipped for longer-range missiles, boosts India’s strike capability and survivability, reinforcing the country’s nuclear doctrine and nuclear triad.
The second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024, at Visakhapatnam. 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.
The presence of INS Aridhaman together with INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will enhance India’s capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests. India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) programme is a closely guarded project. INS Arihant was the first vessel under the SSBN project, followed by INS Arighat.
The SSBN programme is a key element of India’s nuclear deterrence capability.
While India has proven air and land-launched nuclear capabilities, it is now focusing on boosting its underwater nuclear prowess.
India is among a select group of countries having nuclear-powered submarines.
The countries that have such assets are: the US, Russia, the UK, France and China. India has been a leading voice in pitching for universal nuclear disarmament aimed at the complete elimination of atomic weapons.
In 1998, India conducted Pokhran-II nuclear tests, triggering strong reactions from many countries. Following the tests, India maintained that it carried out the tests to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ and it will follow the approach of “no first use”. In 2003, India officially came out with its nuclear doctrine that clearly elaborated on the ‘no first use’ policy.
