Source: TH
Context: India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4*, was launched into water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.
About Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN):
- Features:
- Nuclear propulsion: SSBNs are powered by nuclear reactors, enabling them to stay submerged for long durations without surfacing, limited only by food supplies and maintenance.
- Ballistic missile capability: They are equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), allowing them to serve as a platform for nuclear deterrence with a second-strike capability.
- Stealth: The submarines are designed for stealth, reducing their detection by enemy forces, making them a key asset for strategic deterrence.
- Indian SSBN Programme:
- Operational SSBNs: India currently operates two SSBNs, INS Arihant (commissioned in 2016) and INS Arighaat (commissioned in 2024).
- Upcoming SSBNs: The S4 submarine, Aridhman, is undergoing sea trials, and the newly launched S4* is more advanced in terms of size and missile range capabilities.
- Features of Indian SSBNs:
- Missile range: INS Arihant is equipped with K-15 SLBMs with a 750 km range. The S4* will carry the advanced K-4 missile, capable of striking targets up to 3,500 km away.
- Nuclear deterrence: These submarines provide India with a second-strike capability, a critical element of its nuclear deterrence strategy, ensuring survivability in case of a first-strike attack.
- Strategic importance: SSBNs allow India to maintain credible deterrence by remaining hidden in the vastness of the oceans, ensuring the capability to respond to any nuclear attack.
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