SOURCE: AFI
Veteran defense journalist Sandeep Unnithan has shared a groundbreaking image of INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), on the day of its commissioning. This rare glimpse offers a unique perspective on the country’s strategic nuclear capabilities.
While INS Arighat has been previously spotted on satellite imagery, this is the first time a long-shot image of the submarine has been leaked to the media. Due to revised security protocols, images of nuclear submarines like Arihant and Arighat are not officially released. However, they occasionally come to public notice when they are spotted entering or leaving their home port for patrol missions.
The release of this image is significant as it provides a visual representation of India’s growing nuclear deterrence capabilities. The INS Arighat, along with its predecessor INS Arihant, forms the backbone of India’s nuclear triad, ensuring a credible second-strike capability.
The image offers a glimpse into the immense size and complexity of the SSBN, a testament to India’s technological advancements in submarine design and construction. The submarine’s presence is a symbol of the country’s strategic maturity and commitment to national security.