New Delhi, Dec 2: India is preparing to commission its third indigenous nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying ballistic missiles, Navy Chief Admiral D.K. Tripathi said Tuesday. Named ‘Aridaman’, the vessel will join INS Arihant and INS Arighat, already operational under India’s naval nuclear program.
Called a Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) in naval terminology, these submarines can remain submerged for days and form a key element of India’s nuclear deterrence. While India’s nuclear doctrine rules out a first strike, SSBNs provide a secure retaliatory capability.
Separately, India is also set to acquire a nuclear-powered attack submarine from Russia. Sources said the vessel, which will not carry nuclear missiles, is expected to arrive by 2027.
Addressing Operation Sindoor, the Admiral said the four-day exercise from May 7-10 successfully restrained the Pakistan Navy close to its coast. “We have maintained a relentless operational tempo across our area of interest,” he said at a press briefing ahead of Navy Day, commemorating India’s daring 1971 attack on Karachi.
“Our maritime domain awareness ensured Pakistan Navy did not come out,” Admiral Tripathi added. Asked about potential retaliation, he said, “We did not see any chance of retaliation as their assets, including maritime surveillance planes, did not venture out.”
The Navy Chief also noted that post-Operation Sindoor, India continues to monitor Pakistan Navy deployments closely. He said there was no evident Chinese support during the exercise, though Pakistan uses Chinese weapons.
Regarding Indian naval expansion, Admiral Tripathi said there are 51 ships under construction at Indian shipyards, with the Defence Ministry approving another 47 vessels for production. On Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, he added, “There is no need to be concerned but we are fully aware of all ships in the region.”
