INS Aridaman: Third Indigenous Nuclear Submarine
Why in the news
India prepared to induct INS Aridaman, its third home-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, in a ceremony overseen by the Navy Chief.
Key facts
- Vessel type: SSBN, part of the Arihant class.
- Operational control: Strategic Forces Command.
- Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project at the Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam.
- Indigenous share: over 90%, covering the nuclear reactor and propulsion.
Milestones of the SSBN programme
| Submarine | Milestone |
|---|---|
| INS Arihant | Launched 2009, commissioned 2016 |
| INS Arighat | Commissioned 2024 |
| INS Aridaman | Third operational SSBN |
Significance
- Backs assured second-strike capability under the no-first-use nuclear doctrine.
- A three-boat fleet permits a minimum rotation, so one can stay on patrol continuously.
- With Arihant’s commissioning, India became the 6th country with operational SSBNs.
Exam angle
- Class name: Arihant; command: Strategic Forces Command.
- Project: Advanced Technology Vessel, Visakhapatnam.
- Doctrine link: no first use and second-strike capability.