INS Arihant validates India’s nuclear capability

Published
21st Oct, 2022

Context

The country’s first ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSMN) INS Arihanthas carried out a successful launch of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) validating India’s second strike nuclear capability.

Background

Arihant was launched on 26 July 2009, the anniversary of VijayDiwas (Kargil War Victory Day).
After extensive sea trials, on 23 February 2016, she was confirmed as ready for operations, commissioned in August 2016, and deployed operationally in 2018.
In November 2019,India formally declared its nuclear triad, stated in its nuclear doctrine, operational after INS Arihant has begun prowling the deep seas carrying ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads.

About

About INS Arihant:

INS Arihant (SSBN 80)is a Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine and the lead ship of India's Arihant class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
The 6,000 tonne vessel was built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
Design:It has four vertical launch tubes, which can carry 12 (three per launch tube) smaller K-15 missiles or four larger K-4 missiles. The K-4 has a longer range of 3,500 km (2,200 mi).
General Features:
- Length: 111 m
- Beam:15 m
- Speed:Submerged: 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph); Surfaced: 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
- Commissioned: August 2016
- Status:in active service
- Homeport:Visakhapatnam

The Agni series of missiles constitute the backbone of India’s nuclear weapons delivery, which also includes the Prithvi short range ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft.