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INS Aridaman is India’s third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Arihant class, significantly enhancing India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence with an upgraded design and missile capability. It is currently in the final stages of sea trials and set for commissioning soon.
Key Facts of INS Aridaman
- INS Aridaman is India’s third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Arihant class larger than its two predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
- Displacement weight of about 7,000 tonnes,
- Length is approximately 125-130 meters with a beam of 15 meters and draft of 10 meters.
- Equipped with 8 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes, doubling the missile capacity compared to earlier vessels; it can carry 24 K-15 Sagarika missiles (750 km range), and 8 K-4 missiles with a 3,500 km range or potentially K-5 missiles with extended range.
- Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam and undergoing sea trials before imminent commissioning.
Strategic Importance
- It strengthens India’s nuclear triad by securing the sea leg with an effective underwater ballistic missile platform.
- Enhances India’s deterrence and maritime security by maintaining survivability of nuclear forces with second-strike capability, crucial for no-first-use (NFU) policy adherence.
- Boosts regional strategic depth and sends a strong message to potential adversaries, safeguarding national security.
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