INS Aridhaman Undergoing Rigorous Sea Trials of Stealth Operations Since 3 Years, Expected to Join Indian Navy at Mid-2025

The Indian Navy is poised to significantly enhance its strategic deterrence capabilities with the upcoming commissioning of INS Aridhaman, its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).

Sources indicate that the submarine, which has been undergoing rigorous sea trials for the past three years, is expected to be inducted into service post mid-2025. This addition marks a major step forward for India's maritime strength and its commitment to national security.

INS Aridhaman is part of the Arihant-class of SSBNs, designed to carry nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. This capability provides India with a crucial second-strike capability, vital for maintaining strategic deterrence.

The submarine is equipped with state-of-the-art stealth technology, enabling it to operate undetected in deep waters. It can carry a range of K-series missiles, with strike ranges exceeding 3,500 kilometers, allowing it to target adversaries from a safe distance within Indian waters.

The extensive sea trials, lasting nearly three years, have focused on various aspects of the submarine's performance. This includes testing its propulsion systems, evaluating its stealth capabilities in diverse oceanic conditions, and ensuring the safe and effective deployment of its missile systems.

Aridhaman represents an evolution of the Arihant-class design, featuring a 10-meter longer hull and increased submerged displacement of over 1,000 tons compared to its predecessors. This allows it to carry a larger number of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), further strengthening India's nuclear triad.

The induction of INS Aridhaman will bolster India's nuclear triad, which comprises land-based missiles, strategic bombers, and SSBNs. This three-pronged approach enhances the survivability of the country's nuclear arsenal, contributing to its defence preparedness and national security.

INS Aridhaman is expected to join its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighat, in patrolling the Indian Ocean and safeguarding the nation's maritime interests.

This state-of-the-art submarine incorporates several technological advancements, including an improved reactor, enhanced stealth features, and advanced communication systems. These improvements are expected to enable the submarine to perform efficiently in diverse operational scenarios, providing the Indian Navy with a versatile and formidable platform.

The commissioning of INS Aridhaman signifies a major milestone in India's journey towards strategic autonomy and maritime dominance. It underscores the country's commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent while showcasing its growing capability to develop sophisticated defence technologies indigenously.

 

[GMR]

Great 👍👍.. K5, K6 missiles, heavy torpedoes must be fast tracked now to arm Aridhaman to the teeth....

 

[kumar]

This is how projects need to be designed and executed. IN as always shows the way.

 

[desigandu]

Good, let us operationalize the 5 arihant class SSBNs by 2030, so the focus shifts to S5s and SSNs.

 

[Sandeep]

This is very good news and a major achievement. We should now look at designing and developing the much larger S5 class submarines which can hold more and longer range missiles that we desperately need.

We also need to start developing the nuclear attack submarine which is expensive but we have no alternative but to make it. We will also need to develop our own submarine launched cruise and hypersonic missiles to give us an advantage.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Should have a variety of assets on the SSN platform. A satellite-tracking radar and laser combo attached to SSN will be a good option. That SSN needs no missiles. Or an SSN with 1000 drone launching capability or SSN mothership launching 100 mini submarine drones.

 

[Arin Kumar]

Great achievement for the Indian Navy. We must now focus on indigenous development of the nuclear attack submarine (SSNs) with reduced acoustic signature design.

SSBNs and SSNs in larger numbers along with torpedo manufacturing and undersea mine manufacturing should be our prime objective for the Indian Navy.

 

[Hari Sud]

A very good idea; sooner the better. What about 1500 miles missile in it? Is it operational?

China and Pakistan…… watch out.

 

[DS]

Excellent news

 

[SivaBalan Kumaravel]

why can't we remove the ballistic missile silos and convert it to a Nuclear attack sub?

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The SSBN and SSN projects need to be accelerated by approving and sanctioning more skilled manpower, money, and separate project heads under a single head working under a Vice Admiral with delegated financial powers (as done for a Secretary to the Govt) without wasting time with the CDS, NSA. The Indian SSN needs to be designed for operating depths of over 450 meters and a crush depth of over 600+ meters with submerged speeds of over 30kn and radiated noise of less than 70DB.