India is poised to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, equipped with nuclear missiles, as part of its strategic deterrence initiatives. The move comes amid growing concerns over China’s increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
INS Arighat, a 6,000-ton submarine built at the Vizag shipyard, is ready for commissioning after thorough trials and upgrades. It will join the INS Arihant, which has been operational since 2018, in India’s growing fleet of nuclear submarines.
The submarine will be armed with 750-km range K-15 missiles, similar to those on the INS Arihant, but with the capacity to carry more. The upcoming third SSBN, the INS Aridhaman, will carry 3,500-km range K-4 missiles and is scheduled for commissioning next year.
India’s strategic deterrence is further bolstered by the approval for the construction of two additional nuclear-powered attack submarines, which will be armed with conventional weapons. The project, estimated to cost over Rs1 lakh crore (approximately $12 billion), aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, a government-driven effort to enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
As India continues to assert its presence in the Indian Ocean and beyond, these advancements mark a crucial step forward in ensuring the nation’s security and strategic interests in the region.
