India quietly launches fourth nuclear submarine S4: Know how it can bolster Navy’s silent strength
India quietly launches fourth nuclear submarine S4: Know how it can bolster Navy’s silent strength
New Delhi: Amid rising diplomatic tensions with Canada and ongoing threats from neighbouring adversaries, India quietly launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) this week at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, further enhancing its nuclear deterrence capabilities, a source said Tuesday.
India’s second SSBN, INS Arighaat, was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh August 29, 2024, while the third SSBN INS Aridhaman is scheduled for commissioning next year.
The Union Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) October 9 approved the construction of two additional nuclear-powered attack submarines to fortify India’s defence posture in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite a low-profile stance from the government regarding nuclear deterrence, the fourth SSBN, code-named S4, was launched October 16. This discreet event followed the inauguration of a Very Low Frequency (VLF) Naval Station by Rajnath Singh in Telangana’s Vikarabad district, designed to enhance communication with the Indian Navy’s strategic assets.
Enhancing second-strike capabilities
The commissioning of INS Arighaat is poised to significantly influence strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific by reinforcing India’s second-strike capability. This ability allows a nation to launch a retaliatory nuclear attack after surviving an initial strike, thus acting as a vital deterrent.
Countries like the United States ensure second-strike capability through diversified nuclear launch platforms, including submarines, which remain functional even if other systems are neutralized. The Cold War-era belief in the importance of second-strike capability still holds relevance today.
With two SSBNs in rotation, India can maintain a consistent deterrence presence while conducting necessary maintenance and training. As India’s nuclear deterrence grows, so too does its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean, fostering partnerships with countries like the United States and Japan. By bolstering its second-strike capacity, India enhances its ability to deter aggressive actions from powers such as China and preserve stability in the region.
