As intensified measures are underway to augment the submarine fleet of the Indian Navy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proudly inaugurated India's fourth and most advanced nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam this week. This significant launch underscores India's commitment to strengthening its maritime defense capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics. The new submarine not only enhances the Navy's deterrent capabilities but also reflects the country's growing self-reliance in defense technology, with a substantial portion of its components sourced domestically. With this addition, the Indian Navy aims to bolster its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region and ensure preparedness against potential threats from adversaries.
The new submarine aims to bolster India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with Canada. The Indian Navy's efforts to enhance its strategic assets come at a crucial time, with the second SSBN, INS Arighaat, having been commissioned on August 29, 2024, and the third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, set for commissioning next year.
On October 9, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved plans for constructing two additional nuclear-powered attack submarines to further deter potential adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region.
The S4* submarine boasts approximately 75% indigenous content and is outfitted with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles, which have a range of 3,500 kilometers and can be launched from vertical systems. In contrast, its predecessor, INS Arihant, carries K-15 missiles with a range of 750 kilometers, while the newer models focus solely on K-4 capabilities. The submarine's endurance is limited only by crew resources and maintenance needs, allowing for extended deep-sea patrols. Both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat are currently operational, and a leased Russian Akula-class nuclear attack submarine is expected to join the fleet in 2028.
Following a naming convention for India’s submarines, the first leased nuclear attack submarine was named INS Chakra (S1), followed by INS Arihant (S2) and INS Arighaat (S3). The new S4* submarine is the last of its class, with its official name still pending. Future classes of Indian SSBNs are anticipated to weigh twice as much as the Arihant class, with a displacement of 6,000 tons and nuclear missiles that can exceed ranges of 5,000 kilometers.
The Modi administration is prioritizing sea-based submarine deterrence, particularly in response to the growing capabilities of adversaries like China. With the increasing vulnerability of aircraft carriers to long-range missiles such as the Dong Feng-21 and Dong Feng-26, the government is focusing on enhancing its nuclear attack and ballistic missile submarine fleet rather than expanding its aircraft carrier program. Additionally, the commissioning of the INS Vagsheer, the sixth diesel attack submarine of the Kalvari class, is scheduled for December this year.
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