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INS Arighaat and India’s Pursuit of Enhanced Strategic Deterrence Capabilities

# INS Arighaat and India’s Pursuit of Enhanced Strategic Deterrence Capabilities

## Introduction

India’s strategic deterrence capabilities have evolved significantly over the past few decades, driven by the need to safeguard its national security and maintain regional stability. A key component of this deterrence is the development of a credible nuclear triad, which ensures that India can deliver a nuclear response from land, air, and sea. The sea-based leg of this triad is particularly crucial, as it provides a second-strike capability that is less vulnerable to a first-strike attack. In this context, the commissioning of **INS Arighaat**, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), marks a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of enhanced strategic deterrence.

## INS Arighaat: A Critical Asset in India’s Naval Arsenal

INS Arighaat is the second submarine in India’s **Arihant-class** of SSBNs, following the commissioning of **INS Arihant** in 2016. The submarine is part of India’s ambitious **Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)** project, which aims to develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines capable of carrying ballistic missiles. INS Arighaat is a vital addition to India’s naval capabilities, as it enhances the country’s ability to maintain a credible second-strike capability, a cornerstone of its nuclear deterrence doctrine.

### Key Features of INS Arighaat

1. **Nuclear Propulsion**: Like its predecessor, INS Arighaat is powered by a nuclear reactor, which allows it to remain submerged for extended periods. This capability is crucial for maintaining stealth and survivability, as the submarine can operate undetected in the depths of the ocean, far from enemy surveillance.

2. **Ballistic Missile Capability**: INS Arighaat is equipped with **K-15 Sagarika** submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which have a range of approximately 750 kilometers. It is also expected to be capable of carrying the more advanced **K-4 SLBMs**, which have a range of up to 3,500 kilometers. This extended range allows India to target a wider array of potential adversaries, thereby enhancing its deterrence posture.

3. **Stealth and Survivability**: The submarine’s design incorporates advanced stealth features, including noise-reduction technologies, which make it difficult to detect. This stealth capability is essential for ensuring the survivability of the submarine in hostile environments, particularly in the event of a nuclear conflict.

4. **Crew and Armament**: INS Arighaat is manned by a crew of around 100 personnel and is armed with torpedoes in addition to its ballistic missile payload. This dual capability allows the submarine to engage in both strategic and tactical missions, further enhancing its versatility.

## India’s Nuclear Triad and the Role of SSBNs

India’s nuclear doctrine is based on the principle of **”No First Use” (NFU)**, which means that the country will only use nuclear weapons in retaliation to a nuclear attack. To ensure the credibility of this doctrine, India has developed a nuclear triad, which consists of three delivery platforms:

1. **Land-based missiles**: India possesses a range of land-based ballistic missiles, including the **Agni** series, which can deliver nuclear warheads to targets at varying distances.

2. **Air-based delivery**: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is equipped with aircraft such as the **Mirage 2000** and **Sukhoi Su-30MKI**, which are capable of delivering nuclear bombs.

3. **Sea-based deterrence**: The sea-based leg of the triad is the most survivable, as submarines can remain hidden underwater for extended periods. SSBNs like INS Arighaat and INS Arihant provide India with a secure second-strike capability, ensuring that the country can retaliate even if its land-based and air-based assets are compromised in a first-strike scenario.

The development of SSBNs is particularly important for India, given the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region. With potential adversaries such as China and Pakistan possessing nuclear capabilities, India needs to ensure that its deterrence posture remains credible and effective. The ability to launch nuclear missiles from submarines provides India with a powerful tool to deter aggression and maintain strategic stability.

## Strategic Implications of INS Arighaat

The commissioning of INS Arighaat has several important strategic implications for India and the broader region:

### 1. **Strengthening India’s Second-Strike Capability**

The primary role of SSBNs like INS Arighaat is to provide a secure second-strike capability. In the event of a nuclear attack on India, the submarine can retaliate with a nuclear strike, even if other parts of the country’s nuclear arsenal have been destroyed. This capability is essential for maintaining the credibility of India’s nuclear deterrence, as it ensures that any potential adversary will face