Daily Current Affairs : 31-August-2024
India has recently commissioned its second nuclear-powered missile submarine, INS Arighaat, marking an essential milestone for the country’s naval capabilities. The addition of this submarine complements India’s strategic defense and strengthens its nuclear deterrence. It is a part of India’s broader efforts to establish a credible second-strike capability, ensuring national security and stability within the region.
INS Arighaat: Part of the Arihant-Class Submarines
INS Arighaat, like its predecessor INS Arihant, is a part of the Arihant-class of nuclear-powered submarines. Both submarines are built under India’s Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project, which aims to strengthen the country’s naval power with indigenous technology. INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, was India’s first nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). INS Arighaat, now commissioned, further boosts India’s ability to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent.
- INS Arihant: Commissioned in 2016.
- INS Arighaat: Recently commissioned.
- Part of the Arihant-class: Both are designed under the ATV Project.
Capabilities of the Submarines
INS Arihant and INS Arighaat are both capable of launching SLBMs, which are designed to carry nuclear warheads. These submarines enhance India’s nuclear deterrence by providing a “second-strike” capability. This means that if India is attacked with nuclear weapons, these submarines can retaliate by launching missiles from underwater, making it harder for enemies to target them.
- SLBM Capability: Both submarines can launch K-4 or K-15 missiles.
- K-4 Missiles: Can carry four K-4 SLBMs with a range of around 3,500 km.
- K-15 Missiles: Can carry up to twelve shorter-range K-15 SLBMs.
Strategic Importance for India
The commissioning of INS Arighaat significantly enhances India’s naval deterrence in South Asia, where security dynamics are increasingly influenced by growing regional tensions, particularly with neighboring China and Pakistan. India’s nuclear-powered submarines provide a powerful deterrent, especially since these submarines can remain submerged for extended periods, making them difficult to detect and neutralize.
Strategic Importance for India
Despite these advancements, India faces several challenges. China’s growing submarine fleet and technological advancements pose a significant challenge to India’s strategic balance in the region. Moreover, India’s own technological and investment hurdles in submarine development could affect the speed at which it can expand its fleet of SSBNs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarines). India also leased a Russian Akula-class submarine in 2019 to further enhance its submarine capabilities.
Important Points:
- INS Arighaat Commissioned: India has recently commissioned its second nuclear-powered missile submarine, INS Arighaat.
- Part of Arihant-Class: INS Arighaat, like INS Arihant, is part of the Arihant-class of nuclear-powered submarines built under India’s Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project.
- INS Arihant: INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, was India’s first nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs).
- SLBM Capabilities: Both INS Arighaat and INS Arihant can launch K-4 and K-15 SLBMs:
- K-4 Missiles: Can carry four K-4 SLBMs with a range of about 3,500 km.
- K-15 Missiles: Can carry up to twelve K-15 SLBMs with a shorter range.
- Second-Strike Capability: These submarines provide India with a credible second-strike capability, allowing retaliation with nuclear missiles if attacked, even if the country’s land-based forces are destroyed.
- Strategic Importance: The commissioning of INS Arighaat strengthens India’s naval deterrence in South Asia, particularly against China and Pakistan, and enhances regional stability.
- Submarine Stealth: The ability of these nuclear-powered submarines to stay submerged for extended periods makes them difficult to detect and neutralize.
- Challenges Faced: India faces challenges from China’s growing submarine fleet, technological hurdles, and investment requirements in expanding its fleet of SSBNs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarines).
- Leasing of Russian Submarine: In 2019, India leased a Russian Akula-class submarine to enhance its naval capabilities.
- Future Outlook: Continued technological advancements and investments are necessary for India to maintain its edge in the increasingly competitive regional security environment.
Why In News
India has commissioned its second nuclear-powered missile submarine, INS Arighaat, at Visakhapatnam, further strengthening the country’s naval defense capabilities and solidifying its position as a key player in regional security. This significant development enhances India’s nuclear deterrence and ensures a more robust second-strike capability in the event of a conflict.
MCQs about India’s Second Nuclear-Powered Missile Submarine:INS Arighaat
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When was INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered missile submarine, commissioned?
A. 2012
B. 2014
C. 2016
D. 2018
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What is the primary purpose of India’s nuclear-powered missile submarines, such as INS Arighaat and INS Arihant?
A. To patrol territorial waters
B. To provide a second-strike nuclear capability
C. To conduct scientific research
D. To transport cargo across seas
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Which of the following missiles are capable of being launched by both INS Arighaat and INS Arihant?
A. Agni
B. K-4 and K-15
C. BrahMos
D. Prithvi
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What major challenge does India face regarding its nuclear-powered missile submarines?
A. Lack of trained personnel
B. Growing submarine fleet of China
C. Limited naval bases
D. Shortage of nuclear warheads
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