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INS Aridaman – India’s Third Nuclear Submarine

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April 07, 2026

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science & Technology

Why in News?

India has inducted INS Aridaman, strengthening the country’s sea‑based nuclear deterrence and completing a fleet of three operational SSBNs at sea for the first time.

  • Type Nuclear‑powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
  • Role Strategic deterrence, second‑strike capability.
  • Part of India’s nuclear triad (land, air, sea).
  • Objectives
    • Enhance survivability of nuclear deterrent forces.
    • Provide assured second‑strike capability under India’s “No First Use” doctrine.
  • Displacement – 7,000 tonnes.
  • Launching System 8 vertical launch tubes (compared to 4 on Arihant and Arighaat).
  • Missile Capability K‑15 SLBM – Range 750 km and K‑4 SLBM – Range 3,500 km.
  • Reactor Advanced nuclear reactor, upgraded for longer submerged endurance.
  • Construction 90% Indigenous project with support from DRDO and Russian collaboration.
  • Key Features –
    • Long submerged endurance – Months underwater without surfacing.
    • Stealth – Nuclear propulsion ensures low detectability compared to diesel‑electric submarines.
    • Strategic Payload – Larger missile capacity than INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
  • Operational Roles
    • Strategic Deterrence – Retaliatory nuclear strike capability.
    • Maritime Security – Strengthening India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
    • Nuclear Triad – Completes Sea‑based leg of India’s deterrence.
  • Other Submarines
    • INS Arihant – Commissioned 2016, India’s first SSBN. Conducted deterrence patrol in 2018.
    • INS Arighaat – Commissioned 2024, technologically advanced compared to Arihant.
    • INS Aridaman – Inducted 2026, larger, and more capable, doubling missile launch capacity.

Quick Facts

  • 4th SSBN under construction – Larger size, capable of carrying more K‑4 missiles.
  • Project‑75I – Indo‑German collaboration to build 6 advanced AIP‑equipped conventional submarines.

References

  1. Indian Express | INS Aridaman
  2. Economic Times | INS Aridaman
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