Source: TimesofIndia

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Context

• India is now all set to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine armed with nuclear missiles for strategic deterrence amid China’s fast-expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.

Details

• INS Arighat is India's second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following the successful commissioning of INS Arihant.
• It is a critical component of India's strategic nuclear deterrence capability, aimed at enhancing the country's second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear conflict.
• Once commissioned, it will join INS Arihant as part of India's strategic forces, contributing to the country's nuclear triad (land-based missiles, airborne nuclear weapons, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles).

Development and Construction

• INS Arighat was developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project and was constructed at the Shipbuilding Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
• The submarine is an upgraded variant of INS Arihant, with enhanced capabilities in terms of stealth, endurance, and firepower.

Specifications

• Displacement:Approximately 6,000-7,000 tonnes
• Length:Over 110 meters
• Propulsion:Pressurized water reactor (PWR), which allows for virtually unlimited underwater endurance
• Armament:
  • • Ballistic Missiles: Capable of carrying K-15 SLBMs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles) with a range of around 750 km, and potentially K-4 missiles with a range of 3,500 km.
    • Torpedoes: Equipped with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles for self-defense.

Capabilities

• INS Arighat is designed to operate in deep waters and maintain high levels of stealth, making it difficult to detect by enemy submarines or anti-submarine warfare assets.
• Its nuclear propulsion provides it with the ability to remain submerged for extended periods, thereby enhancing its survivability and effectiveness as a strategic deterrent.

K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)

• The K-4 missile is a crucial component of India's strategic deterrence capability, designed for deployment on the Indian Navy's nuclear-powered submarines.
• It is part of the larger K-series of missiles, which includes other submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
• Type: Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)
• Range: Approximately 3,500 kilometers
• Development: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.
• Purpose: To provide second-strike capability, which is a key element of India's nuclear triad.
• Propulsion: Two-stage solid-fuel rocket, enhancing its range and speed.
• Accuracy: High accuracy due to its inertial guidance system with additional inputs from satellite navigation systems.

Design and Development

• Origins: The K-4 missile is part of India's "K Missile Family," named after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and a prominent figure in the Indian missile program.
• Development History: The K-4 project is known for its high level of secrecy. Development began in the 1990s, and the first successful test was conducted in 2014.

SSBNs in India

• SSBNs are nuclear-powered submarines equipped with ballistic missiles. They form a crucial part of a nation's nuclear triad, ensuring a second-strike capability.
• Role in India's Defense Strategy: SSBNs provide India with a credible and survivable nuclear deterrent, capable of launching nuclear missiles from underwater, ensuring a secure second-strike capability.

Arihant-Class Submarines

• The Arihant class is India's first indigenous class of SSBNs, developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
• Development: The lead vessel, INS Arihant, was developed with assistance from Russia and has been operational since 2016.
• Specifications:
  • • Displacement: Around 6,000-7,000 tonnes.
    • Propulsion: Powered by a pressurized water reactor developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
    • Armament: Equipped with K-15 (Sagarika) and K-4 ballistic missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Future Developments

• INS Aridhaman (S4) and S4:
  • • Status: Launched in November 2021, these are advanced versions of the Arihant-class submarines with greater displacement and missile capacity.
    • Specifications: Designed to carry 8 K-4 or K-5 missiles, making them significantly more capable.
• S5 Class (Arihant Follow-On):
  • • Future SSBNs: Plans are underway for the S5 class, which will be larger and more advanced than the Arihant class, with up to 12 missile launch tubes.
    • Expected Commissioning: Likely to be operational in the early 2030s.

SSBNs (Ballistic Missile Submarines) Worldwide

Country	SSBN Class	Number of SSBNs	Missile System	Key Features
United States	Ohio-class	14	Trident II D5	24 SLBM tubes, advanced stealth, long operational range
Russia	Borei-class	11 (planned)	R-30 Bulava	Modern SLBMs, increased stealth, quieter propulsion
China	Jin-class (Type 094)	6	JL-2	Improved missile range, advanced sonar
France	Triomphant-class	4	M51 SLBM	Advanced SLBM with MIRV capability, enhanced stealth
United Kingdom	Vanguard-class	4	Trident II D5	SLBMs with multiple warheads, continuous at-sea deterrence

Must read article:

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Sources:

TimesofIndia 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Consider the following statements regarding India's SSBN fleet: India currently operates one SSBN, INS Arihant, which was the first indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine. INS Arighat, another SSBN, is expected to join the fleet soon and is based on the same design as INS Arihant. India's SSBNs are primarily based on the Russian Akula-class design with significant indigenous modifications. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: a)