India’s underwater combat strength is poised for a major upgrade as INS Aridhaman, the country’s third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), prepares for commissioning in the coming months. Reports indicate that the induction into the Indian Navy could take place as early as April or May, following the completion of ongoing sea trials.
Strengthening Strategic Deterrence
With the induction of INS Aridhaman, India will, for the first time, operate three nuclear ballistic missile submarines under the Strategic Forces Command. This marks a crucial step toward achieving continuous at-sea deterrence — a strategic posture ensuring that at least one nuclear-armed submarine remains deployed and undetected at all times, ready to respond if necessary.
Built Under the ATV Programme
Constructed under India’s highly classified Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme in Visakhapatnam, INS Aridhaman is larger and more heavily armed than its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
With a displacement of around 7,000 tonnes, the submarine is designed to carry an expanded arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles, including:
- K-15 Sagarika with a strike range of approximately 750 km
- K-4 missile capable of targeting locations up to 3,500 km away
These capabilities significantly extend India’s strategic reach across much of Asia.
Advanced Stealth and Endurance
INS Aridhaman substantially enhances India’s second-strike capability — a cornerstone of its nuclear doctrine. Designed for stealth operations, the submarine is equipped with advanced indigenous sonar systems such as USHUS sonar and Panchendriya, along with sound-absorbing tiles that reduce detectability.
Powered by an 83-megawatt nuclear reactor, the submarine can remain submerged for extended periods, operating as a silent and credible deterrent beneath the seas. It is expected to operate from Project Varsha, India’s high-security naval base near Visakhapatnam.
Regional Context
The development comes as Pakistan continues to bolster its naval capabilities. Under a $5 billion agreement signed in 2015, Islamabad is acquiring eight Hangor-class diesel-electric attack submarines from China to strengthen its undersea warfare capacity.
The commissioning of INS Aridhaman underscores India’s growing maritime capabilities and reinforces its position as a key strategic power in the Indo-Pacific region.