INS Arihant–The slayer beneath
For many years, our ballistic-missile capable, nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, patrolled the oceans far and wide, without much fanfare and recognition.
Undetected and invulnerable, it built-up, tested, tuned and got ready with the ultimate second-strike capability, to deter adversaries.
India’s SSBN (classification symbol for a nuclear-powered, ballistic missile-carrying submarine) Arihant (Slayer of Enemies) has been developed under the advanced technology vessel (ATV) project.
Arihant is the first ballistic missile submarine to have been built by a country other than one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. It was launched in 2009 and after extensive sea trials, was commissioned in August 2016.
On Nov 6, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the completion of the maiden deterrent patrol by INS Arihant. This added maritime strike capability to our existing land and air-based nuclear missile delivery platforms.
Our robust triad of strategic forces comprising land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic bombers and submarine-launched ballistic missiles is now complete.
Each leg of the triad contributes unique attributes that enhances deterrence and reduces risk. The triad also provides protection against the failure of any one of its three legs. However, only our strategic submarines are suitably postured to provide an assured response-capability to inflict unacceptable damage to the enemy.
Such a capability complicates any adversary’s offensive and defensive planning calculations.
Deterrence of both aggression and coercion happens to be the cornerstone of India’s national security strategy and to this end, the strategic nuclear second strike platforms serve as the most visible and important element.
Our often stated ‘no first use’ and ‘minimum credible deterrence’ approach requires a fleet of five to six nuclearpowered ballistic missile submarines for the second strike to assure the ultimate insurance policy.
India has a mature command
ARIHANT IS THE FIRST BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINE TO HAVE BEEN BUILT BY A COUNTRY OTHER THAN ONE OF THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
and control structure for the use of such platforms of the triad and hence, enmeshing the SSBN in its fold has been smooth.
The main qualities of SSBNs comprise assured response, mobility, targeting flexibility, high endurance, prompt readiness and reliable connectivity.
These and other attributes correlate well with concepts such as dominant manoeuvre, scalable response, and precision engagement.
The PM has sent out a clear message to neighbours by saying that INS Arihant is an open warning to enemies of India who resort to policies promoting terrorism under the umbrella of nuclear blackmail. Arihant displaces 7,500 tonnes, is 110 mtrs long and capable of targeting up to 750km with K-15 Sagarika missiles.
It will soon be fitted with K-4 missiles with range upto 3,500km and later, with Agni variants having ranges up to 4,000-5,000km with MIRVs (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles).
Strike ranges are important as we have nuclear powers on both sides and China already operates Zia class and Jin class SSBNs with JL 2 missile ranges reportedly up to 7,000-8,000km.
Operationalisation of Arihant has adjusted India’s balance of power positively in the game of strategic dominance in the oceans. INS Arighat, our second SSBN is in the advanced stage of trials and will be commissioned soon and, the third even bigger beast is about to get launched.
These powerful annihilators will definitely ensure greater peace and stability in the region.