India’s Naval strength received a significant boost with the commissioning of INS Arighaat, the second Arihant-class SSBN, at Visakhapatnam on August 29, 2024, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This milestone reinforces India’s second-strike capability and nuclear deterrence. A detailed report by Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla (Retd) is included in this issue.

An upgraded version of the Arihant-class, it is India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. It can carry up to 12 K-15 Sagarika missiles (with a 750 km range) or four K-4 missiles (with a range exceeding 3,500 km). Additionally, it is fitted with six torpedo tubes capable of deploying torpedoes, missiles, or mines.

India’s SSBN programme is a testament to Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), with most of its technologies and equipment—such as nuclear propulsion, underwater sensors, and acoustic stealth—being developed domestically. The programme’s success is due to collaboration between the DRDO, Indian Navy, Department of Atomic Energy, and contributions from public and private sectors. This achievement is expected to positively impact India’s conventional submarine and aircraft carrier programmes in the future.

Big ticket development and modernisation programmes are capital intensive and need to be provided for by the Government to ensure continuity. The recent defence budget for FY2024-25 maintains the macro trends of attempts to enhance capital expenditure with emphasis on indigenisation and reduce revenue expenditure. However, Indian Navy requires a range of ships, submarines, aircraft and weapons etc, some which are at advanced stage of approval. If approved during the CFY, these schemes would require additional funding. Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla (Retd) gives a detailed analysis of this year’s defence budget and allocations.

Indian Naval continues on its path to modernisation and is swiftly enhancing its defensive capabilities by developing antiship ballistic missile systems for naval protection and autonomous underwater vehicles for sub-surface reconnaissance. SP’s News Network has put together a report in this issue of SP’s Naval Forces.

Wish you all discerning readers happy reading!

Jai Hind!