India Commissions INS Aridhaman, Its Third Nuclear Submarine
India’s new nuclear powered submarine INS Aridhaman commissioned
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
India has officially commissioned its third nuclear-powered submarine, INS Aridhaman, on April 3, 2026, in Visakhapatnam. This submarine enhances India's nuclear triad capabilities, allowing it to launch nuclear missiles from sea, land, and air, marking a significant step in its strategic defense program.
- 01INS Aridhaman is India's third nuclear submarine, enhancing its nuclear triad.
- 02The submarine can carry up to 24 K-15 Sagarika missiles or eight K-4 missiles.
- 03The commissioning ceremony was discreet, coinciding with the launch of INS Taragiri.
- 04INS Aridhaman is larger than its predecessors, weighing about 7,000 tonnes.
- 05India aims to build additional nuclear-powered attack submarines by 2039.
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On April 3, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Aridhaman (S4), India's third nuclear-powered submarine, at a private ceremony in Visakhapatnam. This submarine is part of the Arihant-class of Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) vessels and plays a crucial role in India's strategic weapons program, contributing to its nuclear triad capabilities. The commissioning was kept low-profile, although Singh hinted at the event through a social media post. INS Aridhaman, weighing approximately 7,000 tonnes, can carry up to 24 K-15 Sagarika missiles or eight K-4 missiles, enhancing its firepower compared to earlier models, which had lesser capacities. The submarine's commissioning follows extensive sea trials and aligns with Singh's visit for the launch of the stealth guided-missile frigate INS Taragiri. India continues to develop its naval capabilities, with plans for more nuclear-powered attack submarines expected to be operational by 2036-39.
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The commissioning of INS Aridhaman strengthens India's naval defense capabilities, which could enhance national security and deterrence strategies.
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