BUSINESS ins arihant Albert September 22, 2025 0 Comments

INS Arihant | Why India’s Nuclear Sub Matters More Than You Think

Okay, let’s be honest. You probably stumbled upon this article because you saw the words ‘INS Arihant’ and vaguely remember something about a submarine. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about a submarine. It’s about India’s strategic autonomy, its role on the global stage, and a quiet revolution in naval power. So, buckle up, because we’re diving deep (pun intended!).

The “Why” Behind India’s Nuclear Deterrent

The INS Arihant isn’t just another piece of military hardware; it’s the sea leg of India’s nuclear triad . What’s a nuclear triad, you ask? Well, it’s the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. Having all three makes India’s deterrence credible. If one platform is knocked out, the other two remain. The Arihant adds a crucial layer of survivability, especially in a region fraught with geopolitical tensions. Check out today’s date ; every day the world changes, so does India’s strategic posture. SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) capabilities are more crucial than ever. What fascinates me is how quietly India developed this capability, a testament to its indigenous engineering prowess. According to various reports, the project was shrouded in secrecy for decades. This kind of strategic depth allows India to respond to threats even if its land-based assets are compromised. That’s a game-changer.

Deciphering the Technical Jargon | A Layman’s Guide

Let’s rephrase that in less technical terms. Imagine you’re playing chess. You need to protect your King (your country). The Arihant is like having a hidden Queen that your opponent can’t easily find or eliminate. It ensures that even if someone attacks first, you still have the power to retaliate. The Arihant is powered by an 83 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR) . That’s a miniature nuclear power plant on a submarine! It allows the vessel to stay submerged for extended periods, making it difficult to track and neutralize. A common misconception I see is confusing it with a regular submarine. This isn’t a hunter-killer submarine like the INS Chakra. Its primary role is deterrence, lurking silently in the depths.

The Emotional Angle | Pride and Responsibility

There’s a certain sense of national pride associated with the INS Arihant. It’s a symbol of India’s technological advancement and its ability to safeguard its interests. But with great power comes great responsibility. The decision to use nuclear weapons is never taken lightly, and the existence of the Arihant underscores India’s commitment to a ‘no-first-use’ policy. The Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine represents a powerful defensive capability, but it also necessitates a strong commitment to international norms and responsible behavior. It’s a delicate balance, and one that India must navigate with wisdom and restraint. And remember, this isn’t just cold, hard strategy. This is about protecting our homes, our families, our future.

How Does INS Arihant Compare to Other Nuclear Submarines?

Now, you might be wondering how the INS Arihant stacks up against other nuclear submarines around the world. Well, let’s be frank, it’s not the most advanced or the largest. The American Ohio-class submarines or the Russian Borei-class are significantly larger and carry more missiles. But the Arihant isn’t about being the biggest or the most powerful. It’s about fulfilling India’s specific strategic needs. It’s indigenously built, which means India isn’t reliant on other countries for its operation and maintenance. This is a huge advantage. Plus, its smaller size allows it to operate in shallower waters, giving it access to a wider range of operational areas. The K-15 Sagarika missile and the BO-5 missile are crucial to the Arihant’s capabilities. So, while it might not win a top trumps game, it’s perfectly suited for its intended purpose. This is further augmented by the development of advanced Ballistic Missile Submarines

The Future of India’s Nuclear Submarine Program

So, what’s next for India’s nuclear submarine program? Well, the INS Arihant is just the beginning. India is currently building more advanced submarines, including the INS Arighat, which is expected to have improved capabilities. The goal is to have a fleet of nuclear submarines that can maintain a continuous underwater presence, ensuring a credible and survivable nuclear deterrent. The development of these Nuclear Powered Ballistic Missile Submarines is a long and complex process, but it’s one that India is fully committed to. India’s underwater strategic capability is constantly evolving. This isn’t just about defense spending; it’s about investing in a secure future. And that’s something worth talking about.

The AGM meeting provided a similar future outlook.