INS ARIGHAAT
1. Context
India’s second nuclear submarine, the Arighaat, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Thursday at Visakhapatnam. The submarine has undergone extensive trials over the last few months
2. INS Arighaat
- INS Arighaat is an Indian nuclear-powered submarine that plays a vital role in the country's nuclear triad, which enables the launch of nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea platforms. It is the second ballistic missile submarine in India's fleet, following INS Arihant.
- Arighaat is equipped with advanced nuclear technology and indigenously developed missiles, enhancing India's maritime nuclear strike capabilities. The submarine is powered by a pressurized light-water nuclear reactor, allowing it to stay submerged for long periods, providing a significant strategic advantage. The vessel represents a key element of India's commitment to nuclear deterrence and defense
- The 6,000-ton INS Arighaat is set to join the nuclear submarine INS Arihant as a crucial element of India’s nuclear triad, which ensures the capability to launch nuclear missiles from land, sea, and air platforms.
- India is among a select group of nations with a nuclear triad, alongside the United States, Russia, China, and France. The Navy's induction of INS Arihant in 2016 marked the first time India acquired maritime nuclear strike capability.
- The commissioning of INS Arighaat will further strengthen the Navy’s nuclear strike capabilities. India’s land-based nuclear arsenal includes the Agni 2, Agni 4, and Agni 5 missiles, while the Air Force can deliver nuclear warheads using aircraft such as the Rafales, Su-30MKIs, and Mirage 2000s.
- Arighaat, powered by 83 MW pressurized light-water nuclear reactors, will be equipped with domestically developed K-15 missiles, which have a range exceeding 700 km. Similar to Arihant, the nuclear propulsion allows Arighaat to remain submerged and undetected for extended periods, surpassing conventional diesel-electric submarines in stealth capabilities.
- India adheres to a “No first-use” nuclear policy, committing to using nuclear weapons solely for deterrence and retaliatory purposes. A nuclear submarine like Arighaat provides a strong deterrent, capable of surviving a nuclear attack and launching a retaliatory strike.
- Arighaat is more technologically advanced than Arihant, involving sophisticated design, advanced manufacturing technology, in-depth research and development, use of specialized materials, complex engineering, and highly skilled workmanship.
- Notably, it incorporates indigenous systems and equipment, conceptualized, designed, manufactured, and integrated by Indian scientists, industry, and naval personnel
3. INS Arihant
- INS Arihant is India's first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, forming a critical part of the nation's nuclear triad. Commissioned in 2016, it marked a significant milestone for India by providing the capability to launch nuclear weapons from the sea.
- The submarine is powered by an 83 MW pressurized light-water reactor, which enables it to remain submerged for extended durations, enhancing its stealth and operational effectiveness.
- Armed with nuclear-capable missiles, including the K-15 with a range of over 700 km, INS Arihant ensures a credible second-strike capability, reinforcing India's "No first-use" nuclear policy.
- The development and commissioning of INS Arihant have significantly bolstered India's maritime strategic deterrence, positioning the country among a select group of nations with the ability to deliver nuclear strikes from land, air, and sea
4. Navy Submarines
- Two nuclear ballistic submarines (SSBNs), larger than the INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, with a displacement of around 7,000 tonnes, are currently under construction. The first of these submarines is reported to have been launched in 2021 and is awaiting commissioning after completing trials and tests, while the second is being developed as part of a separate classified project.
- For comparison, the United States operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs and 53 fast-attack submarines, while China has 12 nuclear submarines, including six nuclear-powered attack submarines.
- The Indian Navy also has 16 conventional submarines in its fleet, comprising seven Kilo (Sindhughosh) class, four Shishumar class, and five French Scorpène (Kalvari) class attack submarines.
- India began acquiring the USSR-developed diesel-electric Kilo-class submarines in the mid-1980s. These submarines typically have a lifespan of around 30 years, though they can serve longer with modern upgrades.
- The Shishumar class submarines, developed by the German shipyard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and later built in India, were commissioned starting in the 1980s.
- The Kalvari class submarines were constructed at India's Mazagon Dock in collaboration with France’s Naval Group. The first of these, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in 2017, followed by several others.
- The Navy is authorized to maintain 18 submarines for its full range of operations, a target that was reached with the commissioning of INS Arighaat. However, at any given time, approximately 30 percent of the fleet is undergoing refit (repair and renovation), reducing the number of operational submarines
5. Way forward
India's submarine fleet, encompassing both nuclear and conventional vessels, represents a crucial component of its maritime defense and strategic deterrence capabilities. The ongoing development and commissioning of advanced SSBNs, alongside the established Kilo, Shishumar, and Kalvari class submarines, reflect the nation's commitment to enhancing its underwater warfare and nuclear strike capabilities. As India continues to modernize and expand its naval assets, it positions itself as a formidable maritime power with a robust, versatile, and credible deterrence posture. This strategic advancement not only secures India's interests but also contributes to regional stability in an increasingly complex security environment
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For Prelims: INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya, MiG-29K fighters, Cochin Shipyard Limited, DMR-249 steel, DRDO, Indian Ocean Region, STOBAR, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters
For Mains:
1. How does the development of INS Vikrant showcase India's growing technological prowess in the field of shipbuilding? (250 words)
2. Discuss the emerging trends in global carrier development and their implications for India's naval strategy. (250 words)
3. What are the potential challenges India might face in maintaining a three-carrier force structure? Suggest solutions to overcome these challenges. (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which is India's first indigenous Aircraft carrier? (KSP Civil SI 2020)
A. INS Vikrant B. INS Virat C. INS Vaibhav D. INS Varaha
2. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (UPSC 2016) (a) Amphibious warfare ship 3 Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (UPSC 2017) 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 4. The Lakshadweep islands are located in the ________ (SSC GD 2019)
A. Indian Ocean B. Pacific Ocean C. Arabian Sea D. Bay of Bengal
5. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)', consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
6. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino's impact on the monsoon. '
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
7. 'INS Vikramaditya' is a/an- (RRB JE 2019) A. Aircraft carrier B. Jet fighter C. Submarine D. Main battle tank 8. Which is the largest Shipyard in India? (MP Police Constable 2016) A. Cochin Shipyard B. Hindustan Shipyard C. Goa Shipyard D. Naval Shipyard Answers: 1-A, 2-C, 3-B, 4-C, 5-D, 6-B, 7-A, 8-A |
Source: The Hindu
