India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear), INS Arighat, is likely to be commissioned on August 29 in Visakhapatnam. According to defence sources, preparations for the commissioning ceremony are in their final stages.

INS Arighat is an upgraded version of INS Arihant, India’s first SSBN. The development marks a significant advancement in India’s naval capabilities, particularly concerning its strategic nuclear deterrence.

The submarines are part of a four-SSBN project, with two more, currently designated as S4 and S4*, still under construction.

INS Arighat can reach a maximum speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on the surface and up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged.

Like its predecessor, it features four launch tubes in its hump. INS Arighat, like INS Arihant, can carry up to four nuclear-capable K-4 SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) with a range exceeding 3,500 kilometres, or twelve K-15 SLBMs with a range of around 750 kilometres.

The K-15 missile can also be fitted with a strategic nuclear warhead. In addition to these missile systems, Arighat will also be armed with torpedoes.

The submarine has been under construction and testing since its launch in 2017 at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. With this commissioning, India continues to fortify its nuclear triad, enhancing its ability to maintain a credible second-strike capability.

With the second SSBN, INS Arighat, set to join the Navy, India’s nuclear submarine program has reached a significant milestone.

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