SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The induction of INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), has significantly enhanced the country’s nuclear triad. However, naval officials, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, have cautioned that India has yet to establish continuous at-sea deterrence, a strategic capability that ensures at least one SSBN is always on patrol, ready to launch a retaliatory nuclear strike.
The commissioning of INS Aridhaman, the third SSBN in the Arihant class, is expected to be a pivotal moment for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. This submarine, with a 1000-ton additional displacement and codenamed S4, is scheduled to join the Navy in 2025. Aridhaman will allow India to achieve continuous at-sea deterrence, a coveted capability that requires at least one SSBN to be on patrol at all times.
To maintain this level of deterrence, India needs a fleet of three SSBNs. This ensures that while one submarine is on patrol, another can undergo maintenance, and a third can recover from a previous patrol. The United Kingdom and France require four SSBNs to achieve continuous at-sea deterrence.
The addition of the fourth SSBN, codenamed S-4* (Star), is expected to further strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. This submarine is scheduled to join the Navy by late 2026.
To effectively rotate SSBNs for deterrence patrols, maintenance, and training, India requires a fleet of three. This allows for a seamless transition between submarines, ensuring that the country’s nuclear deterrent remains unbroken.
Once the S-4* (Star) joins the navy, there is a high probability that INS Arihant, the first Indian SSBN, will be converted into a training platform. This will be crucial for training future crews of the other three SSBNs, as well as for the two S5 SSBNs that India plans to operate by the mid-2030s.
The induction of INS Arighat marks a significant step forward for India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. However, achieving continuous at-sea deterrence remains a strategic goal that will require the continued development and deployment of SSBNs in the coming years.
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