NEW DELHI, APRIL 3: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday formally commissioned the nuclear-powered submarine INS Aridhaman and the stealth frigate INS Taragiri into the Indian Navy, marking a major expansion of India’s maritime strike capabilities. The ceremony, held in Visakhapatnam, underscores the nation’s push toward self-reliance in high-end naval engineering.
INS Aridhaman serves as the third ballistic missile submarine to join the fleet under the secretive Advanced Technology Vessel project. As part of the Arihant class, this vessel is an upgraded version of its predecessors, boasting an increased capacity for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The induction is a critical step in solidifying India’s nuclear triad, providing a robust sea-based second-strike capability consistent with the national “No First Use” policy.
“Not just a word, ‘Aridhaman’ is power!” the Defence Minister affirmed in a statement ahead of the event, noting that the Sanskrit name translates to “destroyer of enemies.” While specific technical details of the submarine remain classified, officials affirmed that its presence significantly bolsters regional deterrence.
Joining the submarine is INS Taragiri, the fourth stealth frigate built under Project 17A by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The 6,670-tonne warship is a testament to domestic manufacturing, featuring over 75 percent indigenous content. More than 200 Indian enterprises, including numerous small and medium-scale businesses, contributed to its construction.
The frigate is designed with a reduced radar cross-section to enhance its stealth during combat operations. It is heavily armed with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles and a sophisticated anti-submarine warfare suite. Beyond its offensive roles, the vessel is also configured to lead humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions across the Indian Ocean Region.
The Defence Minister maintained that the dual commissioning reflects the government’s commitment to transforming the Navy into a formidable blue-water force. He stated that the integration of such advanced platforms ensures the protection of India’s vast maritime interests and strengthens its position as a preferred security partner in the region.
