Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 20: India is set to commission its third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman, around April–May this year, significantly boosting the country’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, sources said.

The commissioning is expected to coincide with the anniversary period of Operation Sindoor, underscoring India’s strategic preparedness amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Built under the highly classified Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme at the Ship Building Centre, INS Aridhaman (S4) represents a major milestone in India’s indigenous submarine capabilities. The platform is currently in the final phase of sea trials, with systems validation and weapon integration nearing completion.

The 7,000-tonne submarine is larger and more capable than its predecessors — INS Arihant and INS Arighaat — both of which displace around 6,000 tonnes.

INS Aridhaman is designed to carry longer-range K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), substantially enhancing India’s strike reach and survivability. The capability strengthens the sea leg of India’s nuclear triad and aligns with its doctrine of credible minimum deterrence and assured second-strike capability.

In December, Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi had indicated that the submarine was on track for commissioning after crossing key developmental milestones. Sources now suggest timelines are firming up, with formal induction into the Navy likely in the early summer window, subject to successful completion of the remaining trials.

The induction of INS Aridhaman will further consolidate India’s position among a select group of nations possessing operational nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, marking another significant step in indigenous defence capability.