While attention has been focused on the Indian Navy’s conventionally powered submarines, the country is also making progress in acquiring new nuclear-powered units. Specifically, this includes the new Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Last year, it was confirmed that the second unit in the series, INS Arighaat (S3), had been commissioned into service. However, two more units are still awaiting their turn to be received by the force. According to local media, the third unit of the class, INS Aridhaman (S4), is expected to be received and commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Submarine Force soon, strengthening its nuclear deterrence capabilities.
With a submerged displacement of approximately 6,000 tons, the Arihant class serves as India’s primary nuclear deterrence submarine platform. This is due to its ability to launch up to twelve K-15 ballistic missiles, with a range of up to 1,500 kilometers, or four K-4 missiles, which have a longer range of 3,500 kilometers.
Its design, heavily influenced by Soviet/Russian submarine designs and resulting from India’s historical industrial partnership with Russia, places India within the select group of countries possessing nuclear deterrence capabilities. However, its construction and integration have not been without challenges, mainly due to the prolonged construction timelines the program has faced. For example, the lead unit of the class, INS Arihant, began construction at the Naval Dockyard (Visakhapatnam) in 2004 and was finally delivered in August 2016. Meanwhile, the commissioning of the second unit, the INS Arighaat, only took place last year, despite its construction starting in 2019.
According to local reports, the Indian Navy is expected to complete the incorporation of its third ballistic missile submarine in 2025, after extensive sea trials and system tests. However, this information should be taken with caution, as previous reports had indicated that this would occur in 2024. What multiple sources agree on is that, since its launch in November 2023, INS Aridhaman has been undergoing rigorous testing by the shipyard and naval authorities.
This is a significant detail, as unlike the earlier Arihant-class units, INS Aridhaman and the fourth submarine in the class have a larger displacement and increased dimensions. According to Indian media reports, these newer units have a displacement of over 7,000 tons and an extended hull length of 10 meters, allowing for an increased number of ballistic missiles.
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