What is INS Arighat?

Aug. 13, 2024

India is now all set to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, armed with nuclear missiles for strategic deterrence.

About INS Arighat:

  • It is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following India's first nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, commissioned in 2018.
  • It was constructed at the Indian Navy's Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
  • It represents a critical component of India's nuclear triad, enabling the nation to launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea.
  • Features:
    • It measures 111.6 meters in length, has a beam of 11 meters, a draught of 9.5 meters, and a displacement of 6,000 tonnes.
    • It will have one seven-blade propeller powered by a pressurized water reactor.
    • It can achieve a maximum speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) when on surface and 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged.
    • It can carry up to four nuclear-capable K-4 SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile) with a range of over 3500 kilometers or twelve conventional warheads K-15 SLBMs with a range of about 750 kilometers.
    • The K-15 can also carry a strategic nuclear warhead.
    • It also carries torpedoes and mines.
    • Additional safety measures include two standby auxiliary engines and a retractable thruster for emergency power and mobility.