SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
India has officially commissioned the INS Arighat, the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its class, following the lead of its predecessor, INS Arihant. Bearing the pennant number S3, INS Arighat represents a significant leap forward in the capabilities of India’s strategic submarine fleet. It is reportedly at least a decade ahead of INS Arihant in terms of technological advancements, thanks to a series of major upgrades to its internal systems that remain classified.
The INS Arighat is powered by an 83 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR), which has been further optimized and refined to enhance its performance and efficiency. The improvements in the reactor not only increase the submarine’s operational endurance but also reduce its acoustic signature, making it harder to detect by enemy sonar systems. Additionally, the sonar and electronic systems on board have received substantial upgrades, providing INS Arighat with improved detection capabilities and situational awareness, crucial for modern underwater warfare.
The construction of INS Arighat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technologies. This process was underpinned by detailed research and development (R&D), the utilization of special materials, complex engineering solutions, and highly skilled workmanship. These advancements have contributed to a more robust and stealthy submarine platform, capable of executing a wide range of missions with increased efficacy.
The development of INS Arighat also demonstrates India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing, showcasing significant progress in areas such as nuclear propulsion, stealth technology, and underwater combat systems. The advanced design and construction techniques employed in the submarine’s development have enabled the integration of cutting-edge technology and materials that are expected to extend the vessel’s operational life and enhance its combat capabilities.
While INS Arihant, the first submarine of its class, laid the groundwork for India’s nuclear deterrence at sea, INS Arighat represents a substantial technological leap forward. The upgrades and refinements incorporated into INS Arighat make it a far more capable and advanced platform compared to its predecessor. These enhancements ensure that INS Arighat is better equipped to fulfill its role in India’s nuclear triad, providing a credible second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear conflict.
The advancements on INS Arighat make it significantly more advanced than INS Arihant, especially in terms of its propulsion, stealth, and electronic warfare capabilities. The technological superiority of INS Arighat also reflects the lessons learned from the development and operational experience of INS Arihant, enabling the Indian Navy to refine its SSBN designs and improve the performance and reliability of its strategic submarine fleet.
The commissioning of INS Arighat marks a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy and India’s strategic forces. It not only strengthens India’s nuclear deterrent but also enhances the Navy’s ability to operate in contested environments, ensuring the country’s maritime interests are protected. As a critical component of India’s nuclear triad, INS Arighat provides the nation with a secure second-strike capability, thereby bolstering its strategic posture and contributing to regional stability.
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