India likely to commission second nuclear submarine INS Arighat on Thursday

The Indian Navy is likely to induct its second nuclear submarine, INS Arighat, into service on Thursday.

According to sources, the commissioning of the second boat is expected to take place in the presence of top officials from defense, national security and military.

The INS Arighat submarine is the second ship of the Arihant class, an indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, and will support the existing INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2009.

The Indian Navy has already developed and tested long-range missiles for the two boats and is preparing to induct a third boat soon. The other two boats are expected to be ready around 2035-36.

India’s nuclear-powered ballistic submarines are called the Arihant class, a Sanskrit word meaning “destroyer of the enemy.”

The name is in keeping with the strategic significance of a nuclear-powered submarine. Of the many options considered, the name ‘Arihant’ was chosen and approved at all levels for its subtlety and suitability in conveying the resolve. The Indian government plans to build both nuclear and conventional boats for its long-term plan for submarine procurement and capability development.

India is building five Arihant-class boats, along with six nuclear attack submarines, in three blocks.

On the conventional front, the Indian Navy already has six new Kalvari class boats and is set to receive another 15 new boats – Project 75 India, Project-76 and Project-75 AS.