Second boat of the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines, representing improved capabilities and lessons learned from the lead ship. INS Arighat (Sanskrit for "Destroyer of Enemies") features similar displacement and reactor design to Arihant but with reported improvements in acoustic quieting, upgraded sensors and combat management systems, and potentially enhanced missile capacity. Like Arihant, Arighat is armed with K-15 and K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The boat completed extensive sea trials and was commissioned in 2024, doubling India's operational SSBN fleet. The expansion to a two-boat operational fleet enables continuous at-sea deterrence patrols — one boat on patrol while the other undergoes maintenance and crew training. Additional boats of the class (S-3 and S-4) are under construction at the Ship Building Centre. India ultimately plans a minimum of 4-5 SSBNs to ensure credible continuous deterrent patrols.
![Ship Building Centre logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="14" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">SHIP BC INDIA</text></svg>)
- Second operational SSBN — allows India to maintain continuous at-sea deterrent patrol
- Incorporates lessons from INS Arihant operations
- Credible sea-based second-strike capability against both China and Pakistan
- Small missile complement limits strike options per patrol
- K-4 SLBM integration still being finalized
- Two boats cannot guarantee uninterrupted patrol given maintenance cycles
Sign in to join the discussion and rate this weapon system
SIGN INNo comments yet. Be the first to share your analysis.
