The Indian Navy(IN) has launched its 4th nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (also known as Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear, SSBN) under the code name “S4*” at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP). This marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its naval capabilities and maintain strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The launch of S4* follows the commissioning of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Arighaat (2nd SSBN) by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 29th August, 2024, while INS Aridhaman(3rd SSBN) is expected to be commissioned in 2025.
Background:
i.On 9th October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the plans for the IN to construct two indigenous nuclear attack submarines (SSN) also called hunter-killers, aimed at strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
ii.At present, the IN operates two SSBNs: INS Arihant, commissioned into service in August 2016, and INS Arighaat, which retains the same reactor and dimensions with various technological advancements. Both these SSBNs are already engaged in deep-sea patrols, contributing to India’s maritime security.
About S4*SSBN:
i.It is equipped with K-4 ballistic missiles that have a target range of 3,500 kilometers (kms) and can be launched through vertical systems, compared to 1st SSBN, INS Arihant which carries K-15 nuclear missiles with a range of 750 kms.
ii.It features about 75% indigenous content, demonstrating India’s progress in defence manufacturing.
iii.The operational capabilities of SSBN includes unlimited range and endurance, are constrained only by food supplies, crew fatigue, and maintenance requirements, which makes it a formidable asset in the IN’s arsenal.
Note: India’s 1st leased nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra was referred as S1, which further lead to the naming of subsequent indigenous SSBNs: INS Arihant (S2), INS Arighaat (S3), and INS Aridhaman (S4). The formal name of S4* is yet to be announced.
Key Developments:
i.Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a Very Low Frequency (VLF) Naval Station in the Damagundam forest area of Vikarabad district, Telangana.
- This station will provide command, control, and communications with India’s strategic naval assets, which will ensure seamless coordination during the critical operations.
ii.India is expected to acquire a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine on lease by 2028.
iii.The Future classes of SSBNs will have a displacement of 6,000 tons, twice that of INS Arihant class and is expected to expand the strike range of these missiles to more than 5,000 kms.
Recent Related News:
Kerala based Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) launched 2 indigenously designed and constructed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water-Crafts (ASW-SWCs) named the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Malpe and INS Mulki built for the Indian Navy (IN). These are the 4th and 5th ships of the 8 ASW-SWC project being built by the CSL for IN.
About Indian Navy (IN):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) – Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1950
