In a move signaling a strategic shift in its nuclear posture, India appears to have silently decommissioned its nuclear-capable Dhanush ballistic missile system.
The Dhanush, a ship-launched variant of the Prithvi missile, was once a prominent part of India's naval nuclear deterrent, deployed on the INS Subhadra and INS Suvarna.
Evidence gleaned from satellite imagery and open-source intelligence reveals the removal of the missile stabilizer platforms, a key component of the Dhanush system, from these vessels. This, along with the conspicuous silence from official channels about the system since 2019, points to the system's retirement.
While the Dhanush is no longer in active service, experts believe its associated nuclear warheads have likely been repurposed for land-based missile systems. This realignment underscores India's strategic emphasis on land and submarine-based nuclear delivery systems.
The retirement of the Dhanush marks a pivotal change in India's naval nuclear strategy. The exact reasons for this decision remain shrouded in secrecy, but potential contributing factors include the advancement of submarine-launched ballistic missiles, budgetary concerns, and a reevaluation of the system's strategic significance.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of India's ongoing nuclear modernization efforts, aimed at bolstering its deterrence capabilities and ensuring the survivability of its nuclear arsenal.
