Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday hinted at the launch of INS Aridhaman, India’s third indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine. Singh posted a cryptic message on X, saying, “It’s not just a word, it’s a symbol of power. ‘Aridhaman!’” Soon after, sources confirmed to India Today TV that the Defence Minister would commission INS Aridhaman today.
Strengthening Sea-Based Deterrence with INS Aridhaman
INS Aridhaman, equipped to fire nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, will significantly enhance India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence. Consequently, it will improve both strike potential and survivability, aligning with the country’s nuclear doctrine.
Aridhaman is the third submarine in India’s highly classified program to build and operate nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). Following the commissioning of INS Arihant in 2016 and INS Arighaat in August 2024, Aridhaman now joins the fleet.
Rajnath Singh’s Visit and the Timing of the Launch
Rajnath Singh’s post coincides with his visit to Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Command. Singh is also set to commission the indigenously built advanced stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, today. Visakhapatnam serves as both the construction hub and the home port for India’s nuclear submarine fleet.
Key Features of INS Aridhaman
INS Aridhaman displaces around 7,000 tonnes, making it slightly larger than its predecessors. Its streamlined hull enhances both stealth and acoustic performance. The submarine is powered by an upgraded 83 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR), developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
In contrast to its predecessors, INS Aridhaman features eight vertical launch tubes, double the capacity of INS Arihant. As a result, the submarine can carry either eight K-4 long-range missiles with a 3,500 km range or up to 24 K-15 missiles with a 750 km range.
INS Aridhaman’s induction will allow India to maintain “continuous at-sea deterrence.” Therefore, at least one nuclear-armed submarine will patrol the seas at all times. This ensures India’s ability to retaliate even after a first strike, preserving its second-strike capability.
The Role of SSBNs in India’s Nuclear Strategy
SSBNs, or Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear vessels, provide India with a guaranteed second-strike capability. Consequently, even if an adversary launches a devastating first strike on land-based silos or airbases, an SSBN lurking deep underwater can retaliate. This makes any first strike against India suicidal for an aggressor.
Currently, India operates two SSBNs, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, with INS Aridhaman set to become the third. Furthermore, India plans to induct a fourth SSBN, which remains unnamed.
Building India’s Strategic Deterrence with Four SSBNs
With a fleet of four SSBNs, India will achieve true second-strike capability. One submarine will remain on patrol while others undergo maintenance, transit, or serve as reserve vessels. This system ensures India’s nuclear deterrence remains effective and operational at all times.
Last year, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi hinted that INS Aridhaman would be commissioned between April and May. In December 2025, he confirmed that the submarine had entered the final stages of trials.
INS Taragiri Set to Join Indian Navy’s Frontline
INS Taragiri, powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, promises high-speed, long-endurance performance. This makes it suitable for multi-dimensional maritime operations.
Taragiri represents a generational leap in naval design. It features a sleek hull with a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section, improving its stealth capabilities. These advancements enhance its operational effectiveness in various maritime missions.
INS Taragiri comes equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and an advanced anti-submarine warfare suite. The ship integrates all its armaments through a state-of-the-art Combat Management System, allowing for rapid threat responses.
Beyond combat, Taragiri can undertake high-intensity operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. Consequently, it significantly bolsters the Indian Navy’s position as a self-reliant, combat-ready force.
INS Taragiri exemplifies India’s growing maritime power. Furthermore, the vessel showcases the nation’s ability to design, build, and operate advanced warships entirely with indigenous technology.
