02 Sep PRELIMS Bits: INS Arighaat
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details the Indian Navy commissioned its second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat,
Syllabus mapping:
GS-3: Science and Technology: Recent development in defense technology.
For Prelims:
What is INS Arighaat: features, range, developed by, etc? What is a nuclear Triad?
For Mains:
Indigenization of Defense technology and various initiatives?
Why in the News?
On August 29, 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned its second Arihant-Class submarine, INS Arighaat, at Visakhapatnam, with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh presiding over the ceremony. This strategic addition is set to bolster India’s nuclear triad, strengthen nuclear deterrence, and contribute to regional strategic stability and peace. Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that the commissioning of INS Arighaat reflects the Modi-led Government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense and advancing the country’s strategic capabilities.
What is the INS Arighaat?
INS Arighaat is a nuclear-powered submarine of the Indian Navy. It is the second submarine in India’s Arihant-class, following INS Arihant. The Arihant-class submarines are designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles, serving as India’s underwater nuclear deterrent.
Features of INS Arighaat:
Advanced Technology: The INS Arighaat represents a significant technological advancement over its predecessor, the INS Arihant. This progress is attributed to the integration of indigenous technologies, which enhances its overall capabilities.
Indigenous Systems and Equipment: The submarine features advanced design and manufacturing technology. Its construction involved extensive R&D, the use of specialized materials, and complex engineering. The MoD highlights that INS Arighaat includes systems and equipment that were conceptualized, designed, manufactured, and integrated by Indian scientists, industry professionals, and naval personnel.
Secret Shipbuilding Centre: The nearly 112-meter-long INS Arighaat was commissioned at a highly secretive shipbuilding center in Visakhapatnam, underscoring the sensitive nature of its construction and deployment.
Enhanced Endurance: Powered by 83 MW pressurized light-water nuclear reactors, INS Arighaat can stay submerged for extended periods, a key advantage over conventional diesel-electric submarines that must surface frequently to recharge batteries.
Nuclear-Tipped Missiles: INS Arighaat is equipped with four launch tubes capable of carrying up to 12 K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a 750 km range, or four K-4 SLBMs with a range of 3,500 km. This capability allows for significant offensive and defensive options.
Speed and Size: With a displacement of around 6,000 tonnes, INS Arighaat can reach speeds of 12-15 knots (22-28 km/h) on the surface and up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged, enhancing its operational flexibility.
Naming Significance: The name “Arighaat” derives from the Sanskrit term meaning “Destroyer of the Enemy,” reflecting its role as a key asset in India’s naval strategy.
Strategic Role in Nuclear Triad: INS Arighaat enhances India’s nuclear triad, which enables the country to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. Its capability to launch ballistic nuclear missiles is crucial for maintaining deterrence and executing retaliatory strikes within India’s “no-first-use” nuclear policy.
Comparison to Foreign Submarines: While INS Arighaat is advanced, it is smaller than the nuclear submarines of other major powers like the US, Russia, the UK, France, and China. For example, China’s Jin-class submarines are larger and carry JL-3 missiles with a range of up to 10,000 km.
Significance of the INS Arighaat:
Strategic Deterrence: As part of India’s nuclear triad, INS Arighaat plays a crucial role in maintaining strategic deterrence, ensuring that India has a credible second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear conflict.
Extended Range and Endurance: The nuclear propulsion system grants INS Arighaat significant operational range and endurance, allowing it to conduct long-duration patrols without the need for refueling.
Survivability and Stealth: Its advanced stealth features and low acoustic signature enhance its survivability, enabling it to operate undetected in contested environments.
Effective Power Projection: The submarine’s missile capability allows it to project power and influence in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, contributing to regional stability and security.
Operational Flexibility: INS Arighaat can operate in various maritime environments, including deep waters and near-coastal regions, making it versatile in both strategic and tactical roles.
Strategic Balance: By enhancing India’s naval capabilities, INS Arighaat contributes to the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean, supporting peace and stability in the region.
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Prelims Question:
Q. consider the following pairs:
Pair-1 Pair-2
1. INS Arihant Nuclear power submarine
2. INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier
3. INS Vishakhapatnam Stealth-Guided missile destroyer
4. INS Arighaat First nuclear warhead carrier
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. None of the pairs
B. Only two pair
C. Only three pairs
D. All four pairs
ANSWER:C
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