In 2025, India plans to upgrade its sea-based nuclear deterrence capabilities with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, its third domestically built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). This is a crucial step in bolstering India’s nuclear triad—the capacity to launch nuclear strikes from land, air, and sea—and comes after the induction of INS Arighaat in August 2024.
The submarine is a stretched version of the Arihant-class SSBNs, measuring 125 meters in length and 7,000 tons in displacement (as opposed to 6,000 tons for previous models). With a 3,500-kilometer strike range, this enables it to carry more K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
Significant internal engineering improvements over its predecessors are incorporated into INS Aridhaman, such as increased endurance for extended submerged patrols, survivability, and stealth.
SSBNs like Aridhaman, which are a component of India’s nuclear triad, guarantee a secure second-strike capability, discouraging enemies from launching a nuclear first strike.
The INS Aridhaman’s commissioning coincides with India’s continuous attempts to offset China’s growing naval might, which includes six Jin-class SSBNs equipped with long-range JL-3 missiles. Despite being smaller than those of the US, Russia, or China, India’s SSBNs offer a reliable deterrent in the Indo-Pacific area. The operational readiness of India’s sea-based nuclear arsenal was further confirmed by recent K-4 missile tests conducted by INS Arighaat in November 2024.
India intends to construct larger SSBNs (13,500 tonnes) equipped with longer-range missiles and sophisticated reactors. In order to strengthen conventional warfare capabilities, a ₹40,000 crore project to build two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) is also being considered.
India’s dedication to attaining defense technology self-reliance and preserving strategic stability in a geopolitically unstable area is demonstrated by the induction of INS Aridhaman.