Source : Indian Defence Analysis
First look of S3 INS Arighaat SSBN revealed through a scale model !!
In a truly exceptional revelation of India’s naval prowess, the scale model of the S3 INS Arighaat, the nation’s formidable second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, has been unveiled at the office of Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). This unveiling provides an exclusive insight into the complete design of the submarine, a spectacle that has remained hidden from the public eye due to the absence of any official photographs or videos released by the Ministry of Defence.
The INS Arighaat, launched on November 19, 2017, has often made appearances in satellite imagery, particularly in the vicinity of its home base in Vishakhapatnam. While the Indian Navy has not formally acknowledged the induction of the INS Arighaat, there have been persistent rumors suggesting that it has been in active service for some time and may soon embark on its official missions.
The S3 INS Arighaat is a sibling vessel to the S2 INS Arihant, presently undergoing essential refitting. These submarines represent a significant stride in India’s naval capabilities, as they belong to the elite category of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). They play a pivotal role in India’s nuclear deterrence strategy, famously known as the “nuclear triad,” which empowers the nation to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
Looking ahead, both the INS Arihant and INS Arighaat will be succeeded by the remarkable S4 and S4* (Star) class of SSBNs. While these successors retain the same design lineage, they are larger, boasting an additional 1,000 tons of displacement. Recent satellite imagery has even captured these S4 and S4* submarines in outer drydocks, indicating the final stages of equipment installations before they embark on their sea trials.
India’s aspirations in the realm of underwater strategic deterrence continue to expand with blueprints for the development of the S5 class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. These future submarines are anticipated to be colossal, with an estimated displacement of 13,000 tons—more than twice that of the INS Arighaat. This marks a momentous leap forward in India’s naval capabilities, underscoring the nation’s commitment to maintaining a formidable naval presence.
In conclusion, the scale model reveal of the S3 INS Arighaat’s design offers a rare and captivating glimpse into India’s evolving naval strength. As the nation progresses toward the deployment of its advanced submarines, the legacy of power and the pursuit of maritime excellence continue to define India’s naval trajectory.
