INS Arighaat
Context:
The Indian Navy commissioned its second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat, in Visakhapatnam.
More on news:
- It would further bolster India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, contribute to strategic stability and peace in the region, and play a crucial role in national security.
- These submarines are difficult to detect and can evade a surprise first strike, enabling India to carry out retaliatory attacks if needed.
India’s Nuclear Triad : It is a comprehensive military strategy that ensures the country has a credible second-strike capability through three distinct components: land-based missiles, nuclear-powered submarines, and strategic bombers. This triad enhances India’s deterrence posture and is crucial for maintaining national security. Land-Based Missiles: India possesses a variety of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). Notable examples include the Agni series, with ranges varying from 700 km (Agni-1) to 7,000 km (Agni-5). These missiles provide a robust ground-based deterrent against potential adversaries. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs): The introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, particularly the INS Arihant and its successor INS Arighaat, has significantly bolstered India’s underwater deterrence capabilities. These submarines can carry K-15 and K-4 missiles, allowing for stealthy and survivable second-strike options. Strategic Bombers: India’s strategic air capability includes aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000H, and Rafale, which can deliver nuclear bombs and missiles. 
INS Arighaat, with its advanced technology, represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, INS Arihant. The addition of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will enhance India’s deterrent capability and safeguard its national interests.
The third nuclear-powered submarine, INS Aridhaman, is currently under construction and is reported to be larger and more advanced, with an estimated weight of around 7,000 tonnes. This submarine will feature additional vertical launch tubes and will be capable of carrying ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 3,000 km.
About
INS Arighaat and INS Arihant are both nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) of the Indian Navy, representing significant advancements in India’s maritime defence capabilities. Below is a comparison highlighting their key features and enhancements.
