What's special about INS Arighat—India's second nuclear-powered submarine commissioned today
India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has commissioned the country's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat. The ceremony took place in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. This significant addition to India's naval capabilities is expected to serve as a deterrent against any potential threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The commissioning event was attended by Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, head of Indian strategic command Vice Admiral Suraj Berry, and top DRDO officials.
Specifications of INS Arighat
INS Arighat, named after the ancient Sanskrit term for 'destroyer of enemies,' is the second submarine of the Arihant-class. It has been under construction since 2017 at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. The submarine is powered by an 83MW pressurized light-water reactor, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods. With a displacement of 6,000 tons and length of 112 meters, INS Arighat can reach speeds up to 24 knots when submerged.
INS Arighat's advanced weaponry
INS Arighat is equipped with a double hull, two standby auxiliary engines, and a retractable thruster for emergency power and mobility. It can carry up to four nuclear-capable -4 SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) with a range exceeding 3,500km or 12 K-15 SLBMs with a range of around 750km. The K-15 missiles can be fitted with a strategic nuclear warhead. Additionally, INS Arighat will also be armed with torpedoes.
INS Arighat's stealth capabilities
INS Arighat's advanced sonar systems, quiet propulsion, and state-of-the-art stealth technology enable it to operate undetected beneath the ocean's surface. This stealthy demeanor enhances its survivability and ensures precision in its missions. The submarine is part of India's Arihant submarine plan, being developed at a cost of ₹90,000 crore ($12 billion). Plans for two more SSBNs are underway with the third, INS Aridaman or S4, set to be commissioned next year followed by a fourth SSBN codenamed S-4_.
