What are Arihant-class SSBNs?
Arihant-class submarines are India’s indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)—the most survivable leg of India’s nuclear triad. They ensure a credible second-strike capability, central to India’s nuclear deterrence posture.
Strategic Role
- Second-strike assurance: Can retaliate even after a surprise nuclear attack
- Sea-based deterrence: Hard to detect, enhancing survivability
- Operational secrecy: Continuous deterrent patrols under the Indian Navy
Key Platforms
- – Lead boat; inducted in 2016
- – Improved successor
- Follow-on boats (larger, higher payload) are under construction
Technical Highlights
- Type: SSBN (Nuclear-powered, Ballistic Missile Submarine)
- Displacement: ~6,000 tonnes (Arihant/Arighat class)
- Propulsion: Indigenous pressurised water reactor
- Endurance: Long submerged operations (months)
- Crew: ~90–100 personnel
Missile Capability
- K-15 (Sagarika) SLBM: ~750 km range
- K-4 SLBM: ~3,500 km range (enhances reach and deterrence)
- Vertical launch system with multiple missile tubes
Indigenous Development
- Developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme
- Led by with support from BARC and shipyards
- Operated by the
Significance for India
- Completes the nuclear triad (land, air, sea)
- Strengthens No First Use credibility through assured retaliation
- Marks a leap in strategic autonomy and indigenous defence capability
