ARIHANT COMPLETES INDIA’S NUCLEAR- TRIAD

ON NOVEMBER 6, India made a historic leap in its nuclear capabilities. It completed its Nuclear- triad. This means India now, has the capability to launch nuclear strikes on her enemies from air, land and sea, if the need arises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this day said, “India’s new capability is a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail”. A strong message to Pakistan, which has always tried to boast about its nuclear capability vis- a- vis India.

6,000- tn

INS Arihant was under development for three decades under a classified programme. ● THE NAME Arihant means ‘ annihilator of enemies’.

● IT IS BASED on the Russian Akula- 1 class submarine.

3,500 km

Range nuclear ballistic missiles fired by it can travel up to. .

300m ( 984ft)

It can dive to and is powered with a 83 MW nuclear power reactor. ● THE ARIHANT can remain underwater and undetected for a long time compared to conventional submarines. It has the capability to sail closer to the coast of the enemy nation and fire ballistic missiles deep into the territory.

● ARIHANT AND her sisters will carry “cannisterised” missiles, with pre- mated warheads. Scientists have been eliminated, with custody and control of weapons devolving on the submarine’s captain. ● INDIA HAS now become part of an elite club of countries - Russia, the US, China, France and the UK that possess nuclear ballistic missile submarines. JULY 26, 2009: The submarine project was launched by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The submarine was commissioned into the Indian Navy seven years later in August 2016 following extensive sea trials. AT PRESENT, the only nuclear powered platform in service is the INS Chakra, a nuclear submarine on a 10 year lease from Russia. MIRAGE 2000S and Agni ballistic missiles complete the other two air and land components of India’s nuclear triad.