INS Aridhaman: Nuclear deterrence on permanent patrol
For a country committed to no-first use, INS Aridhaman is another step towards the most survivable form of deterrence: one that can endure a first strike and still fire back.
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INS Aridhaman
INS Aridhaman is the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of India’s Indian Navy under the Arihant‑class nuclear submarine programme. It is part of the “S4” series a stretched and upgraded variant compared with the earlier SSBNs.
Launched in November 2021 from the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, Aridhaman displaces around 7,000 tonnes roughly 1,000 tonnes more than its predecessors allowing for a larger hull, extended endurance, and greater missile-carrying capacity.
Aridhaman retains an upgraded 83 MW Compact Light-Water Reactor (CLWR) that offers improved efficiency and a lower acoustic signature making it harder to detect while submerged.
Its missile capability is significantly enhanced: unlike earlier boats which had four vertical launch tubes, Aridhaman houses eight launch tubes. This enables the deployment of up to 24 shorter-range K-15 (Sagarika) missiles or up to 8 longer-range K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), dramatically improving India’s strike flexibility and reach.
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VIDEOS
Battle Cry: Nuke submarine Aridhaman inducted to boost India's naval firepower
India has commissioned its third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, significantly enhancing its sea-based nuclear deterrent. Larger and more advanced than INS Arihant and INS Arighat, it carries eight vertical launch tubes for K-4 or K-15 missiles and runs on an upgraded 83-megawatt reactor, with improved stealth capabilities.
Iran claims US fighter jet shot down; India commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridhaman
Iran claimed that an American F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over its southern Iranian territory on Friday.
Battle Cry: India’s Nuclear Triad Complete As Fourth Arihant-Class Submarine Begins Sea Trials
In this Battle Cry special broadcast, India Today’s Gaurav Sawant discusses the strategic implications of India’s recent K-4 missile test from the INS Arihant. Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru, former Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, terms the test a ‘game changer’ that enhances India’s sea-based deterrence against Pakistan and China. He notes that the missile’s extended range allows India to target adversaries from the safety of the Bay of Bengal. Managing Editor Sandeep Unnithan highlights that 2025 is a landmark year with the fourth Arihant-class submarine, S-4 Star, commencing sea trials, marking the completion of India’s nuclear triad. The panel analyses Pakistan’s fears following ‘Operation Sindhur’ and the operationalisation of the K-4 missile.