In a move that underscores India's growing strategic capabilities, the country has quietly launched its fourth indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). This latest addition to India's naval arsenal, codenamed S-4*, is a significant step towards strengthening the nation's nuclear deterrence and ensuring its security in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. While the government has remained tight-lipped about the launch, the strategic importance of the S-4* and its implications for India's naval power cannot be overstated.
This submarine, capable of launching nuclear-tipped missiles, represents a crucial component of India's second-strike capability, ensuring the nation's ability to retaliate even in the face of a devastating first strike. This capability is particularly crucial in a region where nuclear-armed neighbours pose a constant threat.
India's journey towards developing a robust submarine fleet began in the 1980s with the ambitious Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. This project, a collaboration with the then-Soviet Union, aimed to design and construct nuclear-powered submarines within India, a challenging feat for a nation still developing its technological prowess.
The first fruit of this endeavor was INS Arihant, launched in 2009 and commissioned in 2016. This 6,000-tonne submarine, powered by an 83 MW pressurized light water reactor, marked a historic milestone for the Indian Navy, demonstrating the nation's indigenous capability in building complex and strategically vital vessels.
Since then, the Indian Navy has inducted its second SSBN, INS Arighat, and is awaiting the commissioning of the third, INS Aridhaman, in 2025. These submarines, armed with K-15 and K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), significantly enhance India's nuclear deterrence capabilities. The K-4 missiles, with their extended range of 3,500 km, allow India to target adversaries far beyond its immediate neighborhood, further strengthening its strategic reach.
Why are SSBNs so crucial?
Nuclear-powered submarines, particularly those equipped with ballistic missiles, are considered the most survivable leg of a nuclear triad. Their ability to remain submerged for extended periods, virtually undetectable in the vast depths of the ocean, ensures a credible second-strike capability, a crucial deterrent against any potential nuclear adversary. This "assured second-strike" capability is a cornerstone of nuclear deterrence, as it forces any potential aggressor to consider the devastating consequences of a first strike.
The development of India's submarine fleet has not been without its challenges. The ATV project faced delays due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent technological and financial hurdles. However, India persevered, demonstrating its commitment to self-reliance in this critical area of national security.
The recent launch of the S-4* and its sister submarine, the S-4, signifies a new chapter in India's submarine program. These larger and more advanced submarines, categorized as "Arihant-stretch" variants, are expected to further enhance India's undersea capabilities and contribute to regional stability. They are equipped with improved technology, longer endurance, and potentially even more advanced weaponry, making them a formidable force in the Indian Ocean region.
As the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly complex, India's submarine fleet plays a crucial role in maintaining a credible deterrent and safeguarding the nation's maritime interests. The launch of the S-4* is a testament to India's unwavering commitment to its national security and its determination to remain a responsible and influential player on the global stage. It signals to the world that India is not just a rising power, but a nation capable of defending its sovereignty and interests.
DISCLAIMER: This brief synthesizes information from various public sources and offers the author's own insights and analysis on the subject matter.
