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India’s maritime power is a cornerstone of its national security, with the Indian Navy playing a pivotal role in protecting the country’s interests in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. Among its most powerful assets is INS Arighat, an indigenously-built, nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). As the second submarine in the Arihant-class, it signifies India’s growing prowess in underwater warfare, deterrence, and self-reliance under the Make in India initiative.
This blog will delve into the key features, strategic significance, and relevance of INS Arighat, especially for candidates appearing for the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Commissioned in late 2022, INS Arighat is India’s second Arihant-class submarine. It builds upon the success of INS Arihant, India’s first SSBN, and is a testament to the country’s ambition to establish a credible nuclear triad—the ability to launch nuclear strikes from land, air, and sea.
As an SSBN, INS Arighat provides India with a second-strike capability, a critical element in nuclear deterrence. Unlike surface ships or land-based missile systems, a submarine’s stealth and mobility ensure survivability in the event of a nuclear attack.
India’s geostrategic location in the IOR, a crucial trade route, necessitates a powerful navy. With INS Arighat, India can secure sea lanes, deter adversaries, and project power across the region.
INS Arighat underscores India’s strides in indigenous defense manufacturing, reducing dependency on foreign technology and enhancing self-reliance.
In an era of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, INS Arighat enhances India’s ability to counter threats from adversarial navies, including China’s expanding submarine fleet.
In the SSB interview process, awareness about contemporary defense technology and strategic assets demonstrates your interest in national security and your potential as a future officer. Understanding the significance of INS Arighat is essential for naval aspirants and those aiming to join other services.
Let’s explore a fictional but plausible story of Amit, an SSB aspirant aiming to join the Indian Navy. During his Personal Interview, the Interviewing Officer (IO) asked him:
"Can you explain India’s nuclear triad and how INS Arighat fits into it?"
Amit, having read extensively about INS Arighat, responded confidently:
"India’s nuclear triad ensures second-strike capability via land-based missiles, aerial platforms like bombers, and sea-based assets. INS Arighat, being a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, is a cornerstone of the maritime leg of this triad. Its stealth and endurance make it a vital deterrent, especially given India’s no-first-use policy."
The IO, impressed, further quizzed Amit on the submarine’s technical features and its importance in countering regional threats. Amit’s in-depth knowledge not only showcased his awareness but also his analytical thinking. He later credited this knowledge as one of the reasons he got recommended.
INS Arighat is just the beginning of a robust SSBN program. Plans for more advanced SSBNs, equipped with longer-range ballistic missiles, are already underway. These developments will solidify India’s position as a major maritime power and enhance its ability to maintain peace and stability in the region.
INS Arighat is more than just a submarine; it is a symbol of India’s ambition, self-reliance, and strategic foresight. For SSB aspirants, understanding its significance reflects not only awareness of national security but also the qualities of a future officer—keen observation, analytical skills, and a sense of responsibility.
Whether you are preparing for an SSB interview, a group discussion, or simply wish to broaden your understanding of India’s defense capabilities, INS Arighat serves as a perfect example of how technology and strategy converge to safeguard the nation.