India's 3rd Nuclear Ballistic Missile INS Aridhaman's Submarine To Enter Service Soon

India is further strengthening its naval nuclear power. According to sources, India is preparing to induct its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, into the Navy between April and May this year. It is reported that its commissioning could coincide with the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, which is considered strategically crucial.

INS Aridhaman will further strengthen India's strategic position in the Indian Ocean.

Sea Trials in Final Stage

According to sources, INS Aridhaman (S4) is currently undergoing final stages of sea trials. System validation and weapons integration are almost complete. If the remaining tests are successful, it will be formally handed over to the Navy in early summer. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi has already publicly stated that the submarine will be commissioned in 2026, and the timeline now appears to be clear.

Constructed under the ATV Program

This submarine was built at the Shipbuilding Centre under the highly secretive Advanced Technology Vessel program. Weighing approximately 7,000 tons, INS Aridhaman is considered larger and more capable than its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, which have displacements of approximately 6,000 tons.

K-4 Missile Enhances Firepower

INS Aridhaman is designed to carry long-range K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. This will further strengthen India's nuclear triad. It reinforces India's policy of Credible Minimum Deterrence and Assured Second Strike Capability. This means that if India were to face a nuclear attack, this submarine, hidden underwater, would be capable of retaliating.

Strategic Message

The commissioning of this submarine around the anniversary of Operation Sindoor is also being considered a major strategic message. At a time when the regional security environment is sensitive, India is further sharpening its maritime nuclear preparedness. The induction of INS Aridhaman will further strengthen India's strategic hold in the Indian Ocean region.