SSNs After SSBNs: How India’s Nuclear Submarine Fleet is Taking Shape

After teething troubles, including a crippling accident, India’s nuclear submarine programme — the country’s costliest defence project, monitored directly by National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval — has made big strides in recent years. In October 2018, the wraps of secrecy around the programme were uncovered for the first time when India acknowledged that INS Arihant, its first SSBN — a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles — had completed its first deterrence patrol. In 2017, INS Arighat, the second of Arihant-class boats, had been quietly launched.Read More…