India is preparing to commission INS Aridhaman, its third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The vessel has entered its final trials and is expected to join active service soon, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence.
INS Aridhaman: India’s Third Indigenous Nuclear Submarine to Boost Second-Strike Capability
Growth of Nuclear Submarine Program
- Fleet Strength: With the induction of Aridhaman, India will operate three nuclear ballistic missile submarines simultaneously for the first time.
- Predecessors: INS Aridhaman follows INS Arihant and INS Arighaat (commissioned in August 2025).
- Strategic Capability: This development significantly improves the credibility of India’s second-strike nuclear capability—a crucial component of India’s ‘No First Use’ defence doctrine.
Advanced Capabilities
- Missile Payload: INS Aridhaman is larger and designed to carry more long-range nuclear missiles than the earlier submarines. The submarine class is capable of carrying missiles like the K-4 long-range nuclear missile.
- Survivability: Its increased size ensures better endurance, safety, and survivability during long-duration patrols.
- Future Fleet: A fourth SSBN is currently under construction to further enhance India’s strategic nuclear capabilities.
Naval Modernisation and Operations
The Indian Navy is actively modernizing its forces and expanding its international reach:
- Aviation Upgrade: The Navy expects to induct four Rafale fighter jets by 2029.
- Submarine Acquisition: Project 75 India, aimed at acquiring six advanced conventional submarines, is nearing approval.
- Global Outreach: The Navy is engaging in international cooperation through initiatives like the Indian Ocean Ship Sagar and the Africa-India Key Maritime Exercise (conducted with nine African partner nations in Dar es Salaam).
Question & Answer
Q1. INS Aridhaman is set to become which number of indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in India’s fleet?
A) Second
B) Third
C) Fourth
D) Fifth
Answer: B) Third
Q2. The induction of INS Aridhaman primarily strengthens India’s capability in which key defence area?
A) Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
B) Air Defence
C) Land-based Missile Defence
D) Sea-based nuclear deterrence and second-strike posture
Answer: D) Sea-based nuclear deterrence and second-strike posture
Q3. Which of the following long-range nuclear missiles is the submarine class of INS Aridhaman designed to carry?
A) Agni-V
B) Prithvi-II
C) K-4
D) BrahMos
Answer: C) K-4
Q4. The Africa-India Key Maritime Exercise, highlighting the Navy’s international cooperation, was conducted in which city?
A) Mumbai, India
B) Cape Town, South Africa
C) Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
D) Port Louis, Mauritius
Answer: C) Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Q5. Which submarine was commissioned just prior to INS Aridhaman, joining the Strategic Forces Command in August 2025?
A) INS Kalvari
B) INS Chakra
C) INS Arighaat
D) INS Arihant
Answer: C) INS Arighaat
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