The commissioning of INS Arighaat marks a significant achievement for India, placing the country in an elite group capable of building nuclear-powered submarines equipped with ballistic missiles. This accomplishment reflects the efforts of India’s defence-scientific community, including the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), and their public and private sector partners.
**Key Achievements and Enhanced Self-Reliance** Compared to its predecessor, INS Arihant, the indigenisation of Arighaat has doubled from 30% to 60%, reducing dependence on foreign sources and improving reliability, repair, and maintenance. The build time for Arighaat has also been significantly reduced, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence technology.
**What Sets Arighaat Apart?** Arighaat, like Arihant, is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the most complex type of nuclear submarine capable of carrying nuclear-armed ballistic missiles. It bolsters India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, considered the most credible and survivable part of the nuclear triad (land, air, and sea-based nuclear capabilities). The submarine is expected to carry missiles with an extended range of up to 3,500 km, significantly enhancing India’s strategic capabilities.
**Role in National Security** SSBNs like Arighaat play a crucial role in India’s nuclear deterrent strategy, supporting the country’s “no first use” policy by ensuring a credible capability for massive retaliation if attacked. Arighaat strengthens India’s ability to prevent nuclear escalation and enhance national security.
**Challenges and Opportunities** The development of Arighaat showcases India’s capability to build advanced submarines with a high degree of indigenous content. The lessons learned from this project will benefit future submarine construction, whether nuclear or conventional. The project has also created significant economic opportunities, including job creation and industrial growth, fostering further innovation within India’s defence sector.
Despite the challenges, the operationalisation of Arighaat represents a monumental step forward for India’s defence and industrial complex, promising long-term benefits in expertise, employment, and national security.