Context:

• India has inducted its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine 'INS Aridaman' into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.

Key Points:

• This submarine of the Arihant class strengthens India's 'Second Strike' capability and enhances sea-based nuclear deterrence.
• Type: Third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Arihant class
• Construction: It is an indigenous project, built at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
• Capability: It is capable of carrying long-range missiles, reinforcing India's 'No-First-Use' policy with a credible 'Second Strike'.
• Nuclear Triad: With the induction of INS Aridaman, India's capability to launch nuclear attacks from land, sea, and air (Nuclear Triad) has become more secure and reliable.
• Significance: It strengthens India's position in the Indian Ocean Region, as India joins a select group of countries (USA, Russia, France, China, UK) with nuclear-powered submarine capability.
• Strike Capability: It has 8 vertical launch tubes, double that of its predecessors (Arihant and Arighat). It can carry K-4 missiles with a range of 3,500 km and K-15 nuclear-capable missiles with a range of 750 km.
• Technical Specifications: This submarine, weighing about 7,000 tonnes, is powered by an advanced 83 MW compact light water reactor and can achieve a speed of up to 24 knots.
• Propulsion: It is powered by an indigenous 83 MW Pressurized Water Reactor (BARC), enabling it to remain submerged for extended durations.
• Security & Technology: It uses modern 'anechoic tiles' and advanced 'sonar systems', helping it evade enemy detection.
• Strategic Importance: With its induction, India will have 3 operational SSBNs continuously deployed at sea, enhancing maritime surveillance and deterrence.

India's Submarine Fleet:

• India's submarine fleet is broadly divided into two categories: Nuclear-powered and Conventional (Diesel-Electric)

Nuclear-powered Submarines: These are of two types:

• SSBN (Ballistic Missile Submarines) and SSN (Attack Submarines)

Arihant Class (SSBN):

• INS Arihant (S2): India's first indigenous nuclear submarine (inducted in 2016)
• INS Arighat (S3): Second submarine, inducted in August 2024
• INS Aridaman (S4): Recently inducted third and more powerful submarine

Conventional Submarines (Diesel-Electric / SSK):

• Kalvari Class (Scorpene Class - Project 75): Built at Mazagon Dock (MDL) with French collaboration
• INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer (all 6 inducted)
• Sindhughosh Class (Kilo Class): Acquired from Russia (erstwhile Soviet Union)
• Major names: INS Sindhughosh, INS Sindhuraj, INS Sindhuratna, INS Sindhukesari etc. (some have been decommissioned)
• Shishumar Class (Type 209): Built with German collaboration
• Names: INS Shishumar, INS Shalki, INS Shankul and INS Shankush

Future Strategic Roadmap:

• India is currently constructing the fourth SSBN (codename S-4, expected to be inducted by 2027) and is also working on the nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program along with Project-75I for advanced conventional submarines equipped with AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) technology.

INS Taragiri:

On the same occasion, the Indian Navy also inducted the fourth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, INS Taragiri

• Project 17A: It is the fourth stealth frigate under the 'Nilgiri class'. A total of 7 warships are being built under this project (4 by Mazagon Dock and 3 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders).
• Stealth Capability: It uses advanced 'radar-absorbent coating' and low 'magnetic signature' technology, making it difficult to detect by enemy radars.
• Weapon Systems: It is equipped with Barak-8 (missile defence), BrahMos (cruise missile), and advanced torpedo launchers.
• Indigenous Contribution: About 75% of its components are indigenous, strengthening the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

Other Ships under Project 17A:

• INS Nilgiri (first ship, built by MDL)
• INS Himgiri (built by GRSE)
• INS Udaygiri (built by MDL)
• INS Dunagiri
• INS Vindhyagiri
• INS Mahendragiri