TAG: GS- 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Context:
The recent news about India’s preparation to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, the INS Arighat is crucial as it will bolster India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. This submarine, equipped with nuclear missiles, adds a vital second-strike capability to India’s strategic arsenal, ensuring a more secure and credible deterrence posture.
Explanation:
India’s upcoming commissioning of its second nuclear-missile submarine, the INS Arighat, represents a significant enhancement in the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities. The INS Arighat, a 6,000-ton submarine built at the Vizag shipyard, is poised to join the INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered submarine, which has been operational since 2018. This development underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its nuclear triad, which includes land, air, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems.
Key Features and Strategic Importance:
- Nuclear Deterrence: The INS Arighat will be equipped with 750-km range K-15 missiles, similar to those on the INS Arihant. It will have an enhanced capacity to carry more of these missiles, providing a robust second-strike capability. This is crucial for maintaining credible nuclear deterrence, particularly in the face of growing threats from regional adversaries.
- Expansion of SSBN Fleet: The INS Arighat is part of India’s broader strategy to expand its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The upcoming third SSBN, the INS Aridhaman, scheduled for commissioning next year, will carry 3,500-km range K-4 missiles. Additionally, the fourth SSBN is under construction and will further enhance India’s strategic reach with even more advanced capabilities.
- Indigenous Development: The ongoing construction and future plans for SSBNs and SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines) reflect India’s emphasis on indigenous defense capabilities. The planned SSNs under Project-77, though initially proposed as six vessels, have been scaled down to two, but they will be about 95% indigenous. This effort highlights India’s focus on self-reliance in defense technology.
- Countering Regional Threats: The urgency behind these advancements is driven by China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. With China possessing a formidable submarine fleet, including Jin-class SSBNs with JL-3 missiles that have a range of 10,000 km, India’s strategic deterrence needs are critical. The larger SSBNs with extended-range missiles and advanced SSNs will play a vital role in countering these threats and ensuring the security of India’s maritime interests.
- Future Prospects: India aims to achieve a balanced and formidable naval force with 18 diesel-electric submarines, four SSBNs, and six SSNs. This comprehensive submarine fleet is essential for maintaining a credible deterrence posture against both China and Pakistan. Furthermore, the lease of an advanced Akula-class SSN from Russia in 2026 will provide interim capabilities until India’s own SSNs are ready.
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