Expansion of India’s Sea-Based Deterrence
India’s Strengthening Nuclear Deterrent with INS Aridhaman: India is set to induct INS Aridhaman, its third indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The submarine has entered the final stage of testing, with confirmation that commissioning will take place soon. This marks a major boost to India’s sea-based second-strike capability, a central element of its credible nuclear deterrence posture.
Evolution of India’s Nuclear Submarine Line
The induction follows the commissioning of INS Arighaat into the Strategic Forces Command in August 2025. Once Aridhaman joins the fleet, India will operate three SSBNs simultaneously for the first time. This strengthens the continuity and survivability of nuclear deterrence at sea.
Static GK fact: India’s first SSBN INS Arihant was commissioned in 2016, making India the sixth country with a nuclear ballistic submarine capability.
Enhanced Strike and Survivability Features
INS Aridhaman features an upgraded design compared to INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. The submarine is built with a larger hull, enhancing endurance and stealth. It can also carry a greater number of long-range nuclear-capable K-4 missiles, significantly expanding strike range. A fourth SSBN under construction will add further strategic depth to India’s deterrent triad.
Static GK Tip: The K-4 missile has a range of around 3,500 km, enabling deep-sea launch capability.
Naval Cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Africa
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi highlighted India’s growing naval outreach through regional initiatives. The Indian Ocean Ship Sagar programme included participation from nine regional navies, promoting coordinated maritime readiness. India also conducted the Africa-India Key Maritime Exercise in Dares Salaam with nine African nations, enhancing interoperability and shared security norms. These engagements reinforce India’s presence across the wider Indian Ocean Region.
Broader Modernisation and Operational Readiness
The Indian Navy is simultaneously modernising its aviation and underwater assets. Four Rafale-M fighter jets are expected by 2029 as part of its carrier aviation upgrade. Project 75 India, aimed at acquiring six advanced submarines, is close to final approval. During Operation Sindoor, decisive naval deployment, including a carrier group, restricted Pakistan’s fleet to its coastline. This showcased India’s strengthened maritime posture and rapid response capability.
Static GK fact: The Indian Navy operates three major commands—Western, Eastern, and Southern—with the Eastern Naval Command headquartered in Visakhapatnam.
Role of SSBNs in Strategic Stability
The addition of INS Aridhaman reinforces India’s strategic nuclear triad—land-based missiles, aircraft-based delivery, and sea-based assets. SSBNs are considered the most survivable nuclear platform, ensuring retaliation even under hostile first-strike scenarios. With expanding indigenous capability, India is moving toward self-reliance in critical defence technologies, aligning with long-term strategic goals.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Strengthening Nuclear Deterrent with INS Aridhaman:
| Topic | Detail |
| INS Aridhaman | India’s third indigenously built nuclear ballistic missile submarine |
| Missile capability | Equipped to carry long-range K-4 nuclear-capable missiles |
| Strategic Forces Command | INS Arighaat joined in August 2025 |
| Fourth SSBN | Currently under construction |
| Naval outreach | Indian Ocean Ship Sagar and Africa-India Maritime Exercise |
| Rafale-M induction | Four aircraft expected by 2029 |
| Project 75 India | Planned acquisition of six advanced submarines |
| Operation Sindoor | Restricted Pakistan’s fleet to its coastline |
| Nuclear triad | Strengthened with three operational SSBNs |
| Arihant-class | India’s indigenous SSBN programme inaugurated in 2016 |
