New Delhi, Apr 4: The prowess of the Indian Navy has got a further boost with the induction of INS Aridhaman, the third indigenously-built nuclear-powered submarine equipped with ballistic missiles.
INS Aridhaman is an advanced version of the Arihant-class submarines and follows induction of INS Arihant in 2016 and INS Arighaat in August 2024.
The submarine is powered by an 83 MW CLWR-B1 compact light water pressurised reactor derived from the prototype naval reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu.
It can carry and fire longer-range missiles, boosting India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence as it enhances both the strike capability as well as survivability in line with the country’s nuclear doctrine.
INS Aridhaman has been built under the Advanced Technology Vessel project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.
The submarine was reportedly laid down around 2017 to 2018. It was then launched quietly on November 21 or 23, 2021 and was undergoing harbour acceptance and sea trials since 2022.
The final weapon and reactor checks were completed by mid-2025, paving the way for induction in the Indian Navy on April 3.
Key features:
INS Aridhaman can carry a load of heavy weapons like missiles larger than earlier Arihant-class units as it has eight vertical launch system (VLS) tubes in the raised hull section compared to four on INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
The submarine thus has the capability to carry up to 24 K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles, with a range of about 750 kilometers.
Otherwise, it can have up to eight K-4 SLBMs, with ranges around 3,500 kilometers, and is widely expected to be compatible with future K-5 missiles, which are described as having a range between 5,000 and 6,000 kilometers.
The INS Aridhaman also retains a set of six 533 mm torpedo tubes to launch heavyweight torpedoes such as the Varunastra, as well as certain cruise missiles or mines for self-protection and limited conventional strike roles.
INS Aridhaman is said to have the speed of 12 to 15 knots when surfaced and about 24 knots when submerged.
Its displacement is reported to be around 6,000 tonnes on the surface and approximately 7,000 tonnes submerged, with a complement of roughly 95 to 100 crew members, including officers and sailors.
India’s nuclear submarines
India’s first leased nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra, was designated as S1, leading to the naming of subsequent submarines: INS Arihant as S2, INS Arighaat as S3, and INS Aridhaman as S4.
Future classes of Indian SSBNs are expected to have a displacement of 6,000 tons, double that of the Arihant class, and will carry nuclear missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 kilometers and beyond. (NVI)
