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India's second ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN), INS Arighaat, has officially entered service, marking a significant milestone in the country's nuclear deterrent capabilities. This advanced submarine, commissioned in a ceremony held in Vishakhapatnam, joins its predecessor, INS Arihant, in bolstering India's nuclear arsenal and projecting its power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The commissioning of Arighaat signifies a substantial advancement in India's nuclear posture. While Arihant, inducted in 2016, established the nuclear triad, a force capable of delivering nuclear strikes from land, air, and sea, Arighaat enhances this capability by providing a constant and credible second-strike option. This means that even if one SSBN is undergoing maintenance, another remains on patrol, ready to retaliate against a nuclear attack. This unwavering presence significantly increases India's deterrence against potential adversaries.
Arighaat, weighing close to 6,000 tonnes and measuring over 111 meters in length, is powered by an 83 MWe pressurized nuclear reactor designed and manufactured by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre with Russian consultancy. While its external design resembles Arihant, Arighaat incorporates numerous upgrades and advanced equipment based on operational experience with its predecessor. This results in a more capable and technologically superior submarine, reflecting India's continuous investment in its defense infrastructure.
Arighaat's induction is expected to be followed by a long-range patrol in the Indo-Pacific region. This unprecedented move by India signifies the growing confidence in its naval capabilities and serves as a clear message to its adversaries about the maturity of its deterrent force. The long-range patrol also underscores India's increasing focus on the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region, where it seeks to maintain its influence and counter China's expanding presence.
Arighaat is equipped with either twelve K-15 or four K-4 ballistic missiles, both capable of carrying nuclear warheads. From its strategic position in the northern Bay of Bengal, Arighaat can strike several Chinese targets. In addition to its nuclear capabilities, the submarine is also equipped with six 533mm torpedo tubes, capable of carrying between 18 and 30 torpedoes, further augmenting its combat capabilities.
The commissioning of INS Arighaat marks a significant step in India's nuclear ambitions and signifies its growing stature as a regional power. The advanced submarine, with its enhanced capabilities and strategic deployment, serves as a powerful deterrent against potential threats and underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: India's Second Nuclear Submarine, INS Arighaat, Enters Service - Four Things You Should Know