INS Arihant is India’s first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). It is a crucial component of India’s strategic defense capabilities. INS Arihant was developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2016.

INS Arihant is equipped with ballistic missile launch capabilities, including the K-15 and K-4 missiles. These missiles have the range to strike targets both on land and at sea. With its nuclear propulsion system, INS Arihant has extended endurance and the ability to remain submerged for longer durations, enhancing its stealth capabilities.

The submarine represents a significant milestone in India’s defense sector, as it provides a credible and potent second-strike capability, ensuring the country’s deterrence posture. INS Arihant’s successful induction has bolstered India’s status as a nuclear triad nation, capable of launching nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.

INS Arihant serves as a strong deterrent and strengthens India’s national security. It showcases India’s technological prowess and self-reliance in developing advanced naval assets. The submarine’s presence strengthens India’s overall defense strategy and contributes to maintaining regional stability.

INS Arihant is a key component of India’s nuclear triad, which refers to the country’s capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. As a nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant is capable of carrying and launching ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads, providing a credible second-strike capability.

Here are some additional details about INS Arihant:

1. Design and Construction: INS Arihant was designed and constructed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Navy. It is based on the Russian Akula-class submarine design, with significant modifications and indigenous technologies incorporated.
2. Nuclear Propulsion: INS Arihant is powered by an onboard nuclear reactor, which provides a virtually unlimited range and endurance. The nuclear propulsion system allows the submarine to operate for extended periods without the need to surface, enhancing its stealth capabilities.
3. Ballistic Missile Capabilities: The submarine is equipped with ballistic missile launch tubes capable of firing the K-15 and K-4 missiles. The K-15 Sagarika is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a range of around 750 kilometers, while the K-4 is an intermediate-range SLBM with a range of approximately 3,500 kilometers.
4. Strategic Deterrence: INS Arihant strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence posture by ensuring the survivability of its retaliatory strike capabilities. As a strategic asset, it provides a significant deterrent against potential adversaries and reinforces India’s commitment to a credible minimum deterrence policy.
5. Indigenous Technological Achievements: The development and construction of INS Arihant represent notable advancements in India’s indigenous defense capabilities. The submarine incorporates a range of indigenous technologies, including the nuclear reactor, sonar systems, and missile launch systems, showcasing India’s self-reliance in the defense sector.
6. Future Development: India has plans to build additional submarines of the Arihant class, known as the Arihant-class SSBNs. These submarines are expected to feature improved capabilities, including the ability to carry more missiles and potentially advanced weapons systems.

INS Arihant symbolizes India’s commitment to maintaining a robust and credible nuclear deterrent, bolstering national security and regional stability. Its successful development and deployment mark a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities and reinforce the country’s status as a responsible nuclear power.