India has just made that critical leap to take maritime defense to the next level by commissioning its second nuclear missile submarine, INS Arighat. Believed to be a big milestone for strategic defense forces, the commissioning ceremony was attended by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Image Source - Medium
Submarine Specifications and Capabilities
INS Arighat is an advanced nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine with enhanced underwater strategic assets for India. The advanced submarine would be fitted with state-of-the-art stealth technology and modern sonar systems along with nuclear missiles. It has been so designed that the submarine can remain submerged for a longer duration, thereby increasing survivability through enhanced stealth.
INS Arighat, with MIRVs, can carry an enormous payload of ballistic missiles, thus giving the much-needed fillip to India's second-strike capability. Finally, this submarine will assume the mantle for nuclear deterrence in the case of India amidst emerging security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.
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Strategic Significance
Commissioning INS Arighat is very timely, as emerging regional tensions and geopolitical complexities continue to pose a challenge that will always help in strengthening the Indian maritime defense posture. It is the second SSBN of India's fleet, and hence the country will considerably strengthen its nuclear triad comprising land, air, and sea-based deterrence capabilities.
Similarly, state-of-the-art manufacturing at Arighat will enable operations undetected, hence ensuring a credible second strike capability. The perfect alignment of the missile with India's 'No First Use' policy would be to provide an effective deterrent against any potential nuclear threat.
Image Source - Indiatimes
Remarks by Rajnath Singh
While joining the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pointed out the significant role INS Arighat is going to play in strengthening the guard on all aspects of defense preparedness. He mentioned self-reliance in defense production and termed the submarine a testimony to the growing prowess of the country in indigenous defense manufacturing.
Commissioning of INS Arighat into our naval fleet is important from the point of view of strategic defensive capability, Singh said. It would further work as a basic bulwark for keeping our maritime interests intact and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The induction of INS Arighat is a major milestone in India's strategic defense policy towards building a secure and survivable nuclear deterrent. Down the road to the modernization of naval systems, this need will top the chart in the country's national defense, thereby firmly reinforcing its resolve to ensure national security and the advancement of stability in this part of the world.
Inputs by Agencies
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