India’s nuclear deterrence is strengthened with the commissioning of its fourth SSBN, S4*, in Visakhapatnam.
Reported by Hindustan Times, India bolstered its nuclear deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries by unveiling its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam this week.
The Indian Navy’s plan to enhance its naval capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region was further solidified as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the INS Arighaat, the country’s second SSBN, on August 29, 2024. Looking ahead, the INS Aridhaman, the third SSBN, is scheduled for commissioning next year. Moreover, signaling a proactive stance, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanctioned the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines for the Indian Navy on October 9, aiming to strengthen deterrence measures.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of collective efforts in ensuring maritime security in a message directed at India’s neighboring countries that share maritime boundaries. He cautioned against involving “outside forces” in the region, as it could jeopardize the unity and collaboration required for safeguarding maritime interests, as per reports by PTI.
Singh emphasized the utmost importance of upholding peace in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region. He underscored that the cooperation of all friendly nations to India is crucial in this endeavor, emphasizing that the exclusion of even one country could jeopardize the security framework.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the recently introduced S4* SSBN is equipped with approximately 75% locally sourced components and is outfitted solely with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles capable of reaching a distance of 3,500 km via vertical launch systems. In comparison, its predecessor INS Arihant is armed with K-15 nuclear missiles with a range of 750 km.
The report also highlighted that the latest submarines have been enhanced and come with advanced K-4 missiles. These SSBNs possess limitless range and stamina, restricted solely by food provisions, crew exhaustion, and maintenance requirements. At present, both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat are engaged in extensive sea missions, with a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine set to be added to the fleet under a lease agreement in 2028.
India’s inaugural leased nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra, was initially labeled as S1, setting the precedent for subsequent submarines: INS Arihant as S2, INS Arighaat as S3, and INS Aridhaman as S4. The most recent addition to the fleet is denoted as S4*, awaiting its official designation. According to a report by Hindustan Times, forthcoming Indian SSBNs are anticipated to possess a displacement of 6,000 tons, which is twice the size of the Arihant class, and will be equipped to carry nuclear missiles capable of reaching distances surpassing 5,000 kilometers and more.
