India has officially added a second nuclear-capable submarine to its fleet, enhancing its defense mechanism against neighboring nuclear powers like China and Pakistan. The submarine, named INS Arighaat, was commissioned in Visakhapatnam on Thursday as part of the Arihant-class series.
INS Arighaat joins its predecessor, INS Arihant, which was launched in 2016. Both submarines are designed with four missile silos, each featuring three tubes meant for K-15 ballistic missiles that have a range of approximately 400 nautical miles, according to H.I. Sutton, a maritime security expert.
Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo
Sutton also pointed out that each missile tube can accommodate a K-4 missile, a more robust option with a striking range of around 1,900 nautical miles. Additionally, these submarines are armed with torpedoes for engaging enemy subs.
During the commissioning ceremony, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that INS Arighaat will bolster India’s nuclear triad and deterrence strategy, contributing to regional stability and security. “The integration of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will enhance our capability to deter adversaries and protect national interests,” he stated.
The term “nuclear triad” refers to India’s three key delivery systems: land-based missiles, submarines, and nuclear-capable aircraft. Each component provides distinct advantages, with submarines offering a stealthy, survivable means of retaliation.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India’s nuclear arsenal consists of about 172 warheads, while China and Pakistan have approximately 500 and 170 warheads, respectively. They also note that 12 warheads have been designated for the Arihant and another dozen for the Arighaat.
India’s approach to nuclear deterrence has broadened over the past decade, shifting focus from solely Pakistan to include China, reflecting a strategic need to cover the entire Chinese territory. The nation recently tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile that can utilize various payloads, including micro-nukes and thermonuclear warheads.