THE second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ was commissioned into the Indian Navy in presence of Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on the submarine make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor INS Arihant. The presence of both -- INS Arihant and INS Arighaat -- will enhance India’s capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests. Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that INS Arighaat would ‘further strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance and peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country’. He described it as an achievement for the nation and a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s unwavering resolve to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence sector. The Defence Minister commended the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and the industry for their hard work and synergy in achieving this capability.

 

He termed this self-reliance as ‘the foundation of self power’. The country’s industrial sector, especially MSMEs, have received a huge boost through this project, and more employment opportunities have been created, he observed. Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s political will, which put India at par with a nuclear weapon State, Rajnath Singh said, “Today, India is surging ahead to become a developed country. It is essential for us to develop rapidly in every field, including defence, especially in today’s geopolitical scenario. Along with economic prosperity, we need a strong military.

 

Our government is working on missionmodetoensure that our soldiers possess topquality weapons and platforms made on Indian soil.” Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Suraj Berry, head of Indian Strategic Command; and leading DRDO officials were present at the commissioning ceremony. The construction of INS Arighaat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research and development,utilisationofspecial materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship. It has the distinctionofhavingtheindigenoussystemsandequipment conceptualised, designed, manufactured and integrated by the Indian scientists, industry and Naval personnel, stated a press release.

 

INS Arighaat is the ballistic missile submarine. It is made by the Shipbuilding Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam.Anupgraded version of INS Arihant, INSArighaathasamaximum speedofupto24knotswhen submerged, and 1,215 knots on a surface level. It is said that INS Arighaat can carry 12K-15submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of around 750 kms, and four nuclear-poweredK-4SLBMswithanestimated range of 3,500 kms.