Context:

Recently, India has commissioned the INS Arighaat or S-3, its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), into service at Visakhapatnam.

About INS Arighaat

• The new submarine, named INS Arighaat, takes its name from the ancient Sanskrit word “Arighaat” meaning "destroyer of enemies." 
• This name reflects India's dedication to protecting its maritime interests with strong deterrence.
• It is the second submarine of the Arihant-class, following the INS Arihant. 
• It has been under construction at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam since 2017.

Key Features:

• The submarine is powered by 83 MW pressurized light-water reactors, allowing it to stay underwater for months. 
• It displaces 6,000 tonnes and is 112 meters long. 
• It can travel at a maximum speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on the surface and up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged.
• It features a double hull with ballast tanks, two standby auxiliary engines, and a retractable thruster for emergency power and mobility.

Armament and Capabilities:

• It can, like the INS Arihant, carry up to four nuclear-capable SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) with a range over 3,500 kilometers, or 12 K-15 SLBMs with a range of about 750 kilometers. 
• The K-15 missiles can be equipped with a strategic nuclear warhead.
• The submarine will also be armed with torpedoes.
• Although the INS Arighaat is the same size, length, and displacement as the INS Arihant, it can carry more K-15 missiles and is considered more capable, efficient, and stealthy.

India’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Project

• India’s nuclear-powered submarine project began over 30 years ago with the involvement of private firms, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), and support from Russia. 
• The first submarine, INS Arihant, was launched in 2009 and commissioned into the Navy in 2016. In 2018, INS Arihant completed its first deterrence patrol, establishing India’s nuclear triad. 
• In October 2022, it successfully and accurately launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in the Bay of Bengal.

Current and Planned Submarines

• India plans to build two additional SSBNs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile submarines), each with a displacement of 7,000 tonnes.
• The third submarine, INS Aridaman (S4), is expected to be commissioned next year, followed by a fourth SSBN codenamed S-4.
• The Indian Navy has 16 conventional submarines, including: Seven Kilo (Sindhughosh) class submarines, Four Shishumar class submarines and Five Kalvari class submarines.

 Significance of INS Arighaat

• Boost to India’s Naval Power: It enhances India's naval strength with two nuclear-powered submarines in the Indo-Pacific, providing strategic leverage and deterring nations like China.
• Operational Flexibility and Regional Security: It can perform diverse missions such as anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering, boosting India’s maritime awareness and response capabilities
• Strategic Importance: INS Arighaat positions India among the elite group of nations with nuclear-powered submarines, including the US, Russia, the UK, France, and China.