The second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024 at Visakhapatnam. This is the country’s second nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.
The almost 112-metre-long submarine, armed with K-15 missiles that have a strike range of 750 km, was commissioned at a classified ship-building yard in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top Indian Navy officials.
INS Arighat will join its predecessor, INS Arihant, which became fully operational in 2018, to enhance the country’s ‘nuclear triad’—the capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. The Arihant class submarines are powered by 83 MW pressurized light-water reactors. While conventional diesel-electric submarines need to surface frequently for air and refuelling, nuclear-powered submarines can remain underwater for a long period of time.
The 6,000 tonnes INS Arighat is an upgraded version of INS Arihant, and it can travel at a maximum speed of up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged and 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on a surface level. Even though it is of the same size as its predecessor, it can carry more weapons. It has four launch tubes and can carry twelve K-15 SLBMs with a range of about 750 kilometres, or up to four nuclear-armed K-4 SLBMs with a range of over 3,500 kilometres.
The Arihant class submarines are built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, under which five such vessels are being planned. The third vessel, named INS Aridhaman, will be a larger 7,000-tonne vessel, capable of carrying K-4 missiles with a range of 3500 km.
The construction of INS Arighaat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research & development, utilisation of special materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship, said a statement issued by the defence ministry. It has the distinction of having the indigenous systems and equipment which were conceptualised, designed, manufactured & 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.
In his address at the launch ceremony, defence minister Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that ‘Arighaat’ will further strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance & 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.
Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy, DRDO & 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 at par with a nuclear weapon state, the Raksha Mantri 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”.
