The Indian Navy is poised to strengthen its strategic capabilities. Reports indicate that by the year's end, the Navy plans to commission its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) 'INS Aridaman' (S4). This marks a significant move towards fortifying India's maritime security and nuclear triad. Let’s delve deeper into what INS Aridaman is, why it’s significant, and how it benefits India.
What is INS Aridaman?
INS Aridaman is an advanced nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), part of the Arihant-class. Developed under the codename 'S4', it is slightly larger and more advanced compared to India’s first two submarines, INS Arihant and INS Arighat.
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Measuring approximately 125 meters long and weighing 7,000 tons, it surpasses previous models by 1,000 tons. Constructed under the Navy's Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) project in Visakhapatnam, it embodies a leap in naval combat capabilities.
(The video below is of INS Arighat)
What Makes It Special?
Enhanced Firepower: INS Aridaman features 8 vertical launch tubes, with capacity for 24 short-range K-15 missiles (750 km range) or 8 long-range K-4 missiles (3,500 km). It is significantly more powerful than its predecessors.
Stealth Technology: Superior sonar-absorbing coating and noise-reduction technology render it elusive to enemy detection.
Long Range: With K-4 missiles, it can target deep into enemy territories, crucial for national security.
Indigenous Technology: Approximately 70% indigenous content underscores India's stride towards self-reliance.
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What Benefits Does It Bring to India?
Strong Nuclear Triad: INS Aridaman enhances India's nuclear triad capabilities from land, air, and sea, supporting the 'No First Use' policy, ready for retaliatory strikes if provoked.
Security Against China and Pakistan: Given China's increasing naval presence and tensions with Pakistan, this submarine is a robust countermeasure.
Maritime Security: Fortifies India's presence in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, vital for regional peace.
Strategic Balance: Enables India with second-strike capabilities to deter adversaries, promoting peace.
Source: aajtak
Construction and Testing
Construction of INS Aridaman began in 2021, with extensive sea trials conducted in recent years to test its speed, weapon systems, and stealth capabilities. These trials are largely complete, with commissioning likely by end of 2025.
Regional Challenges
China's naval expansion with Jin-class SSBNs and long-range missiles in the Indian Ocean, alongside Pakistan's bolstered submarine strength with Chinese assistance, underscore the necessity of INS Aridaman. Future S5-class submarines, at 13,000 tons, with missile ranges of 5,000-8,000 km, are also in the pipeline.
