Submarine Agrihaat set to add ballast to nuclear triad

• The sub has the same dimensions and reactor as its predecessor, INS Arihant, but adds indigenously developed technological upgrades; it will strengthen India’s nuclear triad.

Highlights:

• India's strategic capabilities have been significantly enhanced with the commissioning of its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighaat, on August 29, 2024.
• The induction of this advanced vessel into the Indian Navy marks a critical step in strengthening the country’s nuclear triad, which forms the cornerstone of India's nuclear deterrence strategy.

Enhancing the Nuclear Triad:

• The concept of the nuclear triad is central to ensuring that a country possesses a credible and survivable nuclear deterrent. For India, the triad is comprised of nuclear weapons that can be launched from land, air, and sea.
• The addition of INS Arighaat to the fleet, alongside its predecessor INS Arihant, bolsters the sea-based leg of this triad, which is crucial for maintaining a second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack.
• The presence of these submarines ensures that India has a survivable and assured retaliatory capability, aligning with its doctrine of credible minimum deterrence and its 'no first use' policy.
• This policy, declared after India's nuclear tests in 1998, emphasizes that India will not use nuclear weapons first but will respond with overwhelming force if attacked with nuclear weapons.

Technological Advancements:

• INS Arighaat represents a significant technological leap over INS Arihant, reflecting the advancements in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
• The submarine is powered by an 83 MW pressurized light-water reactor, similar to Arihant, but incorporates several upgrades that enhance its operational effectiveness.
• These technological improvements include advanced design and manufacturing processes, the use of special materials, and sophisticated engineering techniques. The successful integration of these advancements by Indian scientists, industry, and Naval personnel underscores India's growing expertise in the field of nuclear submarine technology.
• The robust construction and the use of indigenous systems in INS Arighaat highlight India's commitment to self-reliance in defense production, a key objective under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Strategic Implications:

• The commissioning of INS Arighaat significantly enhances India's nuclear deterrence, providing a credible second-strike capability that is essential for maintaining strategic stability in the region.
• INS Arihant, the first submarine of its class, is currently equipped with the K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) with a range of 750 km. However, the K-4 SLBM, with a range of 3,500 km, is under development and is expected to become the mainstay of India’s undersea nuclear deterrence.
• The K-4 missile will provide India with a significant standoff capability, allowing it to launch nuclear weapons from the safety of its territorial waters.
• The strategic deployment of these submarines enhances India's deterrence posture, ensuring that any potential adversary is aware of the credible threat posed by India's nuclear capabilities.

Future Developments:

• Looking ahead, India is already in the advanced stages of constructing a third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, which is expected to be larger and more capable than both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
• This ongoing expansion of India's undersea nuclear deterrent underscores the country's long-term commitment to enhancing its strategic capabilities.

Prelims Takeaways:

• 'Make in India' initiative.