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India's Nuclear Sub Fleet Grows: INS Aridhaman Ready
3 Dec
Summary
- India's third nuclear-powered submarine, INS Aridhaman, is in final trials.
- INS Aridhaman is larger and carries more missiles than previous submarines.
- India will lease a Russian nuclear-attack submarine by 2027-28.
India is poised to significantly enhance its sea-based nuclear capabilities with the imminent commissioning of INS Aridhaman, its third nuclear-powered submarine. This advanced vessel, currently undergoing final trials, is larger than the first two and designed to carry a greater number of long-range nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, bolstering the nation's strategic deterrence.
Naval chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi confirmed the final stages of trials for INS Aridhaman, expected to be commissioned soon. Sources indicate a fourth SSBN, S-4*, with a similar displacement, is anticipated for commissioning in 2027. The first two, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, became operational in 2018 and 2024 respectively.
In parallel, India is set to receive a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) on a 10-year lease from Russia by 2027-28. This Akula-class SSN, to be commissioned as INS Chakra-3, will be armed with conventional weapons for long-range missions. The delivery, part of a $3 billion deal from March 2019, has faced delays due to the ongoing Ukraine war.
