India has officially commissioned its second indigenously built nuclear submarine, the Arihant, which the country’s defense minister claims will establish a strategic balance in the region. The submarine was formally inducted into the Indian Navy on August 29, marking a significant milestone in India’s nuclear deterrent capabilities.
Strategic Posturing and National Security
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Arihant’s induction, stating that it would further strengthen India’s trinity of nuclear deterrence capabilities. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Visakhapatnam, Singh highlighted the submarine’s role in maintaining peace and strategic balance in the region, as well as its decisive contribution to national security.
The induction of INS Arihant will significantly enhance our capabilities in establishing deterrence and safeguarding our national interests, Singh said. This is a testament to the indomitable spirit and technical prowess of our scientists, engineers, and defense personnel.
Technological Advancements and Indigenous Development
The Arihant, which is part of the歼敌者 (Arihant) class of nuclear submarines, is being heralded as a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defense capabilities. The submarine’s construction involved advanced design and manufacturing techniques, detailed research and development, the use of special materials, complex engineering, and highly skilled craftsmanship, according to the Indian defense ministry.
The Arihant and its predecessor, the INS Arihant, are powered by an 83-megawatt pressurized light-water nuclear reactor, enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods compared to traditional diesel-electric submarines. Both submarines have a displacement of approximately 6,000 tons and can achieve a maximum surface speed of 12-15 knots (22-28 kilometers per hour) and a submerged speed of 24 knots (44 kilometers per hour).
Armament and Capabilities
The core armament of the Arihant class is composed of four vertical launch tubes capable of carrying 12 K-15 short-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 kilometers or four K-4 SLBMs with a range of 3,500 kilometers. The Indian defense ministry claimed that the INS Arihant successfully test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the Bay of Bengal in October 2022, achieving high precision.
While the Arihant is considered an improvement over the INS Arihant, with the ability to carry more K-15 missiles, the specifics of its enhancements remain shrouded in secrecy. Some analysts suggest that the Arihant’s sleeker exterior is related to the smaller size of the K-15 missiles it carries, as opposed to the larger K-4 missiles.
Strategic Context and Nuclear Ambitions
India’s quest for nuclear submarines spans several decades, with the aim of bolstering its nuclear deterrence capabilities. In 1987, the Indian Navy leased a nuclear-powered attack submarine from the Soviet Union, providing valuable operational experience, although the潜艇 was primarily manned by Soviet sailors.
Subsequently, the Indian Navy leased a more advanced Akula class attack submarine from Russia between 2012 and 2021 to further enhance its nuclear submarine operations. Unlike most countries that develop attack submarines before transitioning to strategic nuclear submarines, India’s indigenous program has focused directly on strategic submarines.
The Arihant class represents a critical component of India’s trinity of nuclear deterrence, which includes air-based and land-based nuclear capabilities. While the Indian Air Force’s Jaguar attack aircraft, French-made Mirage 2000s, and Russian-made Su-30MKI fighters can carry nuclear bombs, and the land-based Agni and Prithvi missile series can be fitted with nuclear warheads, the Indian Navy has long been the weakest link due to technological constraints.
Conclusion
The induction of the Arihant marks a significant step forward in India’s nuclear submarine program. While the submarine’s capabilities and the extent of its strategic impact remain to be fully assessed, its commissioning underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its defense and deterrence capabilities. As the region continues to evolve, the Arihant’s role in maintaining strategic balance and national security will be closely watched by neighboring countries and the international community.
Views: 0