India is enhancing its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat. As a vital addition to the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), INS Arighat's imminent induction underscores India’s growing emphasis on securing its interests in the Indo-Pacific region. “This move places India in a stronger position to deter aggression, particularly from regional powers like China, which has been rapidly expanding its naval presence,” says a former Naval officer. The Strategic Significance of INS Arighat INS Arighat, India's second indigenously built SSBN, represents a crucial step in the country’s strategic maritime expansion. Following the induction of INS Arihant in 2016, Arighat marks a leap forward in technological advancements, offering enhanced capabilities over its predecessor. Equipped with the indigenous K-15 ballistic missile, capable of striking targets up to 750 kilometers away, INS Arighat is a formidable asset in India’s nuclear triad. The submarine’s ability to remain submerged for extended periods, coupled with its nuclear propulsion, allows it to serve as an effective second-strike platform, a key component of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The strategic importance of INS Arighat is further amplified by its patrol capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. As India’s geopolitical focus increasingly shifts towards this area, having a second SSBN enhances its deterrence posture against any naval threat. The Indo-Pacific, a region marked by rising tensions and aggressive posturing, particularly by China, necessitates a robust and credible maritime deterrent. The addition of INS Arighat to India's naval fleet addresses this need by ensuring continuous patrol and deterrence capabilities, crucial for maintaining stability in the region. Also ReadBangladesh Seeks to Boost Defense Capabilities with Artillery Ammunition from Pakistan Comparative Analysis: India vs. China’s Underwater Capabilities India’s commissioning of INS Arighat is also significant when viewed in the context of China's naval capabilities. China currently operates six Jin-class SSBNs, each equipped with JL-2 ballistic missiles with a range of 7,200 kilometers, vastly outstripping the range of India’s K-15 missiles. However, while China’s numerical superiority is apparent, India’s focus on indigenously developing and enhancing its nuclear submarine capabilities demonstrates its long-term commitment to securing its maritime borders and asserting its influence in the Indo-Pacific. China’s rapid naval expansion, including the construction of more advanced SSBNs, is part of its broader strategy to assert dominance in the South China Sea and beyond. For India, the strategic commissioning of INS Arighat and the impending induction of the third SSBN, INS Aridaman, serves as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence. Although India’s fleet is smaller, the quality and technological sophistication of its submarines, combined with its strategic location, provide a significant deterrent capability. Future Prospects and Challenges INS Arighat’s commissioning is not just a milestone for India’s naval forces but also a precursor to more significant developments in the country's maritime strategy. The next phase of India's SSBN program involves the construction of even larger submarines capable of carrying ballistic missiles with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers. This expansion will further enhance India’s second-strike capability, making it a more formidable player in the Indo-Pacific region. However, challenges remain. The need for continuous technological advancements, crew training, and maintenance of such sophisticated platforms requires sustained investment and focus. Additionally, as India’s naval ambitions grow, so too will the need for robust logistical and support systems to ensure the operational readiness of its SSBN fleet. Bottomline The commissioning of INS Arighat is a pivotal moment in India’s maritime history, reflecting the country’s resolve to secure its interests in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. As India continues to enhance its naval capabilities, particularly in comparison to China, the strategic balance in the region is set to evolve. INS Arighat, with its advanced features and strategic capabilities, is a critical asset that underscores India’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
