INS Aridaman

India has recently inducted its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridaman, marking a major milestone in its maritime nuclear capability. With this induction, India will, for the first time, maintain three operational SSBNs at sea, significantly strengthening its undersea deterrence capability.

In addition, India has commissioned the stealth frigate INS Taragiri, which enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to secure strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

INS Aridaman

INS Aridaman is India’s third Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, following INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, and INS Arighaat, commissioned in 2024. It has been developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, which is India’s indigenous programme for nuclear submarines.

INS Arihant marked India’s entry into the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad, while INS Arighaat strengthened continuous deterrence patrol capability. The induction of INS Aridaman further stabilises India’s presence in deep waters. India is steadily building a continuous and credible sea-based nuclear deterrent.

Enhanced Capabilities of INS Aridaman

INS Aridaman has an estimated displacement of around 7,000 tonnes and is equipped with eight vertical launching system tubes, allowing it to carry a larger payload of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). These include the K-15 missiles with a range of 700 km and the more advanced K-4 missiles with a range of 3,500 km.

This enhanced missile capacity significantly improves India’s strike capability from underwater platforms. INS Aridaman increases both range and survivability of India’s nuclear deterrent forces.

Nuclear Triad and Second-Strike Capability

The commissioning of INS Aridaman strengthens India’s nuclear triad, which includes the capability to launch nuclear weapons from land-based missiles such as Agni series, air-based platforms like Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft, and sea-based submarines.

This triad ensures a credible second-strike capability, which is a key component of India’s No First Use (NFU) nuclear doctrine.

Strategic Significance

With INS Aridaman becoming operational, India joins a select group of countries including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China that possess operational undersea nuclear deterrent capabilities. This places India firmly in the category of advanced maritime nuclear powers.

Future Naval Modernisation Roadmap

India is currently developing a fourth SSBN, codenamed S-4*, which is expected to enter service around 2027. In addition, the country is advancing its Nuclear-powered Attack Submarine (SSN) programme, aimed at enhancing offensive underwater capabilities.

Parallelly, India is also implementing Project-75I, which focuses on advanced conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, improving underwater endurance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the commissioning of INS Aridaman and INS Taragiri marks a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime and strategic defence capabilities. These developments enhance India’s nuclear triad, improve undersea deterrence, and expand naval power in the Indian Ocean Region.