INS Aridhaman Commissioned: Third Arihant-Class SSBN
Why in the news
India added a third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine to its fleet, reinforcing its sea-based nuclear deterrent.
Key facts
- Vessel: INS Aridhaman (S4), third boat of the Arihant class.
- Commissioned by: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at Visakhapatnam.
- Earlier boats: INS Arihant (2016) and INS Arighaat (2024).
- Programme name: originally the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
- Builder: Ship Building Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam.
| Feature | Arihant and Arighaat | Aridhaman (S4) and S4* |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | About 6,000 tonnes | About 7,000 tonnes, larger |
| Firepower | Standard | Enhanced, more missile tubes |
| Status | Operational | Aridhaman newly commissioned |
Key concepts
- SSBN: nuclear-powered boat carrying long-range ballistic missiles such as the K-series; stays hidden for months as a deterrent.
- SSN: nuclear-powered hunter with conventional weapons, used to track and attack ships or submarines.
- Nuclear triad: capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air and sea.
Significance
A submarine hidden at sea can still strike back if land-based missiles and airbases are destroyed in a surprise attack, giving India a credible second-strike capability.
Exam angle
- Class: Arihant-class; project name ATV.
- Builder: Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam.
- SSBN is for deterrence; SSN is a hunter-killer with conventional arms.