Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that ‘Arighaat’ will significantly bolster India’s nuclear triad, enhance its nuclear deterrence capabilities, contribute to establishing strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s security.
India will now have two SSBNs—INS Arihant (S-2) and INS Arighaat—patrolling the high seas, serving as a vital component of the nation’s nuclear triad and second-strike capability.
The Indian Navy has officially commissioned its second Arihant-class submarine, ‘INS Arighaat,’ on August 29 in Visakhapatnam, with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presiding over the ceremony.
During his address, Singh expressed confidence that INS Arighaat would significantly bolster India’s nuclear triad, enhance the country’s nuclear deterrence, contribute to strategic stability and peace in the region, and play a critical role in national security.
Singh highlighted the commissioning as a major achievement for the nation, reflecting the Modi-led government’s unwavering commitment to achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence.
He also emphasized that INS Arighaat would provide a substantial boost to India’s industrial sector, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while creating new employment opportunities. Singh remarked, “India is on a fast track to becoming a developed country, and it is crucial for us to advance in all fields, including defence, especially in today’s geopolitical environment.”
The Arihant-class submarines derive their name from a Sanskrit term meaning “Destroyer of the Enemy.”
Built by the Shipbuilding Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, INS Arighaat can reach speeds of up to 24 knots (44 km/h) while submerged and 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on the surface. It features a similar design to INS Arihant, with four launch tubes capable of carrying 12 K-15 SLBMs, each with a range of about 750 km, or up to four nuclear-armed K-4 SLBMs, with ranges exceeding 3,500 km.
In addition to the six nuclear attack submarines planned for construction in three blocks, India is developing five Arihant-class submarines. The Indian Navy has already received six Kalvari-class submarines, with 15 more scheduled for delivery under Projects 75 AS, 76, and 75 India.
With the commissioning of INS Arighaat, India now has two SSBNs—INS Arihant (S-2) and INS Arighaat—patrolling the high seas, forming a crucial part of the country’s nuclear triad and second-strike capability, in line with its no-first-use policy.
The Navy has also approached the Modi government for approval to build two nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines (SSNs).
