India's 3rd nuclear submarine in final trials, says Navy Chief, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced that INS Aridhaman, India's third nuclear submarine, is in its final trial stages and will be commissioned soon.
• INS Arighaat was commissioned in August 2024, adding to India's Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN).
• The Navy plans to indigenously construct two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) and lease one from Russia to bridge the capability gap.
• The Navy Chief advocated for a third aircraft carrier, emphasizing the importance of carrier battle groups for naval warfare.

Detailed Insights:

• The commissioning of INS Aridhaman will significantly enhance India's sea-based nuclear deterrent, moving the country closer to sustained at-sea nuclear patrols.
• Aridhaman is designed to carry longer-range K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, a crucial component for a credible second-strike capability.
• The Navy anticipates receiving a Russian SSN by 2027-28, which will fill the capability gap until India's indigenous SSNs are ready in the mid of next decade.
• The Navy aims to maintain a three-carrier force, with one carrier each on the eastern and western seaboards, and one for exigencies, to ensure continuous maritime security.
• The Indian Navy routinely transits the South China Sea as part of bilateral and multilateral engagements, asserting its presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• During Operation Sindoori, the Navy's aggressive deployment in the Arabian Sea confined the Pakistan Navy to its ports, impacting Pakistan's economy.
• The Navy is working towards inducting women into the submarine arm, addressing space constraints to create a gender-neutral force.

Key Concepts Involved:

• SSBN (Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine): A submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.
• SSN (Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine): A nuclear-powered submarine designed for attacking other ships and submarines.
• Carrier Battle Group: A naval fleet centered around an aircraft carrier, providing air defense and strike capabilities.