In a significant step towards further strengthening its strategic deterrence capabilities, the Indian Navy on 29 August commissioned INS Arighaat, which is the country’s second nuclear-powered submarine with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. The commissioning of the 112-metre-long submarine, armed with K-15 missiles that have a strike range of 750 km, took place at the secretive ship-building centre in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top national security and military officials.
The Defence Ministry announced in a post on X that the second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Visakhapatnam. The PM Modi-led government is working on mission mode to equip soldiers with top-quality weapons and platforms.
Second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ commissioned into Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh in Visakhapatnam.
PM Modi-led Govt is working on mission mode to equip soldiers with top-quality weapons & platforms: RMhttps://t.co/yV0NDIKYmV pic.twitter.com/KZ8MFgQlyc
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 29, 2024
Singh expressed confidence that ‘Arighaat’ would further strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, help establish strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the country’s security. He described it as an achievement for the nation and a testament to the unwavering resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to achieve self-reliance in defence.
Singh commended the Indian Navy, DRDO, and the industry for their hard work and collaboration in achieving this capability. He referred to this self-reliance as the foundation of self-power. Singh appreciated that the country’s industrial sector, especially MSMEs, has significantly boosted through this project, creating more employment opportunities.
Singh recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s political will that positioned India as a nuclear weapon state, “Today, India is surging ahead to become a developed country. It is essential for us to develop rapidly in every field, including defence, especially in today’s geopolitical scenario. Along with economic prosperity, we need a strong military. Our government is working on mission mode to ensure that our soldiers possess top-quality weapons and platforms made on Indian soil”.
According to the Defence Ministry, the construction of INS Arighaat involved advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research and development, the use of special materials, complex engineering, and highly skilled workmanship. It has the distinction of having indigenous systems and equipment that were conceptualized, designed, manufactured, and integrated by Indian scientists, industry, and naval personnel.
“The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on this submarine make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor, Arihant. The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will enhance India’s capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests,” it said.
Team BharatShakti
