Second Arihant Class Submarine In Service With Indian Navy, Know Its Significance

India on Thursday (August 29) formally inducted its second Arihant-class submarine into its navy. The nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat, is considered an advanced version of its predecessor. Speaking at the ceremony in Visakhapatnam, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the submarine would further strengthen India’s nuclear triad and deterrent capabilities.

He added that the submarine would help New Delhi maintain peace in the region and play a decisive role.

He also emphasised the “unwavering resolve” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to achieve ‘Atma Nirbharta (self-reliance)’ in the defence sector.

The minister also lauded the efforts of the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the defence industry for their dedication and hard work. He added that the boost to the defence sector would also help the country achieve economic prosperity as more jobs would be created.

“Today, India is in the process of becoming a developed nation. It is essential for us to develop rapidly in every field, including defence, especially in the current geopolitical scenario,” the minister said.

“Along with economic prosperity, we need a strong military. Our government is working on a mission mode to ensure that our soldiers have top-quality weapons and platforms made on Indian soil,” Rajnath Singh added.

It is notable that the nuclear-powered ballistic submarines have been given the name Arihant, a Sanskrit word that loosely translates as ‘Destroyer of the Enemy’.

The 112-metre long submarine is armed with K-15 missiles and has an impressive range of 750 km.

India has a “no first use” nuclear policy. Because the submarine is difficult to detect, it gives India the ability to strike back and maintain deterrence in the event of a surprise nuclear attack.

Major naval powers, such as the US and China, rely on such submarines to bolster their nuclear deterrents. China has six Jin-class SSBNs with JL-3 missiles that can range 10,000 kilometers, and the US operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs.

According to media reports, India plans to build five Arihant-class submarines and six nuclear attack submarines in the coming years.

(With input from agencies)