India to Bolster Nuclear Deterrence with Third SSBN
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India to Commission Third Nuclear Submarine Amid China Tensions
As tensions with China persist along the border, India is preparing to commission its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) within the next six months. This strategic move aims to further strengthen the country’s sea-based nuclear deterrence, solidifying its position in the global nuclear triad. According to a report by The Times of India, this development comes on the heels of the induction of the second SSBN, INS Arighaat, into the Indian Navy’s Strategic Forces Command on August 29, 2024.
Strengthening India’s Nuclear Triad
The commissioning of the third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, marks a significant step in India’s defense strategy. The submarine, currently undergoing rigorous trials, is expected to be officially commissioned in early 2025. INS Aridhaman is an advanced version of its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, and is designed to carry a greater number of long-range, nuclear-tipped missiles. This enhancement is crucial for maintaining credible strategic deterrence, especially in light of the ongoing confrontation with China.
SSBNs play a vital role in India’s nuclear triad, offering the most secure and survivable platform for second-strike capabilities. These submarines can remain submerged for extended periods, making them nearly undetectable and a formidable deterrent against any potential first-strike threats from adversaries.
Technological Advancements in INS Aridhaman
INS Aridhaman, with a displacement of 7,000 tonnes and a length of 125 meters, represents a significant upgrade over the earlier Arihant-class submarines. While INS Arihant is equipped with K-15 missiles that have a strike range of 750 km, INS Aridhaman is capable of carrying K-4 missiles with a range exceeding 3,000 km. This expanded capability allows India to target a broader range of strategic locations, enhancing the country’s deterrence posture.
The advancements in INS Aridhaman’s design and capabilities reflect India’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces. These submarines are built under the classified Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, initiated in the 1990s with an investment of over Rs 90,000 crore. While these submarines are still smaller than the SSBNs of the United States, China, and Russia, they represent a significant leap in India’s naval capabilities.
Strategic Significance Amid China Standoff
The timing of this development is particularly significant given the ongoing border standoff with China. The induction of INS Arighaat and the upcoming commissioning of INS Aridhaman underscore India’s resolve to enhance its military preparedness and strategic deterrence. As SSBNs can remain submerged and undetected for months, they serve as a powerful deterrent against potential aggression from adversaries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Arighaat, emphasized the submarine’s role in strengthening India’s nuclear triad and ensuring regional peace. He also highlighted the importance of self-reliance in defense, recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s decisive leadership during the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. Singh affirmed that the government is committed to equipping the armed forces with state-of-the-art weapons and platforms developed indigenously.
Future of India’s SSBN Fleet
Looking ahead, India is already working on its fourth SSBN, which is expected to be even more potent than its predecessors. These advancements reflect India’s strategic intent to build a robust and credible sea-based nuclear deterrent, essential for maintaining regional stability and safeguarding national security.
While India’s SSBN fleet may be smaller in size compared to the larger fleets of global powers, the strategic value of these submarines cannot be overstated. As India continues to invest in its nuclear deterrence capabilities, the commissioning of INS Aridhaman will be a crucial milestone in the nation’s defense journey.
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