INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, was commissioned on Thursday in Visakhapatnam. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, head of Indian strategic command Vice Admiral Suraj Berry, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi and leading DRDO officials were present for the commissioning.
The Arihant class submarines are named after a Sanskrit word meaning the “Destroyer of the Enemy”. The name befits the strategic significance of a nuclear-powered submarine. The name “Arihant” was chosen from a wide range of choices and received approval on all fronts due to its suitability and subtlety in expressing the commitment.
INS Arighaat, built by the Shipbuilding Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, is an upgraded version of INS Arihant, featuring enhanced capabilities and strategic importance for the Indian Navy. Here are its key specifications and strategic context:
INS Arighaat Specifications:
- Speed: Capable of traveling up to 24 knots (44 km/h) submerged and 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on the surface.
- Armament: Equipped with four launch tubes, it can carry:
- K-15 SLBMs: Up to twelve missiles with a range of about 750 km.
- K-4 SLBMs: Up to four nuclear-armed missiles with a range exceeding 3,500 km.
- Propulsion: Powered by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor, allowing extended underwater operations.
Strategic Importance:
INS Arighaat enhances India’s underwater deterrence capabilities with its advanced nuclear propulsion, making it a significant asset compared to conventional submarines.
India’s Submarine Acquisition Plan:
India is enhancing its submarine fleet through a mix of nuclear and conventional vessels:
- Nuclear Submarines: Plans include constructing six nuclear attack submarines in three blocks and developing five Arihant-class boats.
- Conventional Submarines: Six new Kalvari-class submarines have been delivered, with 15 more to follow under Projects 75 AS, 76, and 75 India.
This strategic expansion underlines India’s commitment to bolstering its naval strength and maintaining a credible underwater deterrence in the region.
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