The Indian Navy's newly commissioned INS Arighat, the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its class, represents a significant technological leap over its predecessor, INS Arihant.
Key to this advancement is its upgraded and refined 83 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR), which not only enhances operational endurance but also significantly improves stealth capabilities.
The optimized PWR on INS Arighat reduces its acoustic signature, making it more difficult for enemy sonar systems to detect. This, coupled with substantial upgrades to its sonar and electronic systems, provides INS Arighat with superior underwater detection capabilities and situational awareness, crucial for modern naval warfare.
In contrast, INS Arihant, while groundbreaking in its own right as India's first SSBN, operates with an older generation PWR and less advanced onboard systems. This translates to a larger acoustic signature and less effective detection capabilities, making it comparatively easier to track and potentially neutralize.
The enhanced endurance provided by Arighat's refined PWR allows for longer submerged patrols, reducing the need for frequent surfacing and refueling, which can compromise stealth. Arihant, with its less efficient reactor, requires more frequent breaks in its submerged operations, increasing its vulnerability.
Furthermore, the advanced design and manufacturing techniques employed in constructing INS Arighat contribute to a more robust and inherently stealthy submarine platform. The use of special materials and complex engineering solutions further minimizes its detectability.
In essence, INS Arighat's 83 MW PWR, combined with its other technological enhancements, delivers a quantum leap in both stealth and endurance. This makes Arighat a far more potent strategic asset, capable of extended submerged deterrence patrols and remaining undetected for longer periods, greatly enhancing India's nuclear second-strike capability.
