SUBMARINE DOMINANCE

NEWS: India is likely to have quietly commissioned INS Aridhaman, its 3rd nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)

BACKGROUND

• Earlier submarines: INS Arihant (2016), INS Arighat (2024)
• INS Aridhaman was under trials and is now believed to be operational
• Shows India’s growing strength in nuclear submarine capability

INS Aridhamanà Important

• It is a more advanced version compared to earlier submarines.
• 7000-tonne submarine (bigger size)
• Can carry:24 K-15 Sagarika missiles, 8 nuclear-tipped K4/K-5 missiles
• Earlier submarines could carry:12 K-15 missiles + 4 K-4 missiles
• INS Aridhaman = Greater firepower + better deterrence