India's strategic naval capabilities are set for a major leap forward with the imminent commissioning of its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced that INS Aridhaman is in the final stages of its trials and will join the fleet soon.
Strengthening the Nuclear Triad at Sea
Speaking ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Tripathi highlighted the progress of the Arihant-class program. INS Arighaat was commissioned in August 2024, and its successor, Aridhaman, is now on the final leg of its journey to becoming operational. The induction of this vessel will bring India's operational SSBN fleet strength to three, a critical milestone for the nation's credible sea-based nuclear second-strike capability.
Unlike its predecessors, INS Aridhaman is designed to carry the more potent and longer-range K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. This enhancement is expected to move India closer to sustaining near-continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent patrols, a capability currently demonstrated by global nuclear powers. Admiral Tripathi's announcement underscores the Navy's focused efforts to bolster this pillar of national security.
Attack Submarines and Carrier Ambitions
Beyond the SSBN program, the Indian Navy is actively pursuing a two-pronged approach to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). The government has cleared the indigenous construction of two SSNs, a complex project that is progressing as planned but will see fruition by the middle of the next decade.
To bridge this capability gap, the Navy is set to acquire one SSN on lease from Russia. A senior naval officer indicated that the Russian SSN is likely for delivery between 2027 and 2028. "We are pushing for 2027, but it may come by 2028," the officer stated. These SSNs are considered vital assets for large navies, offering superior endurance and speed for fleet protection and power projection.
Admiral Tripathi also made a strong case for a third aircraft carrier, essential for the Navy's carrier battle group doctrine. He acknowledged a transitional phase where India might operate only two carriers, as a new induction would coincide with the retirement of INS Vikramaditya. However, he reaffirmed the long-term goal of a three-carrier force to ensure presence on both eastern and western seaboards, with one in reserve.
Strategic Posture and Modernization
Addressing the broader strategic canvas, the Navy Chief noted the challenge posed by the PLA Navy in the Indo-Pacific but emphasized that India's deployments are driven by safeguarding national maritime interests. He detailed the Navy's wide operational footprint, from the Mediterranean to the Pacific, as part of bilateral and multilateral engagements.
Reflecting on recent operations, he highlighted the impact of Operation Sindoor, where the aggressive deployment of a carrier battle group in the Arabian Sea effectively restrained the Pakistan Navy and had tangible economic repercussions for Pakistan.
On the path toward a more inclusive force, Admiral Tripathi confirmed that the Navy is working towards inducting women into the submarine arm, the last frontier due to spatial constraints, following the example of several other advanced navies.
The convergence of these developments—from the new SSBN and upcoming SSNs to the push for a larger carrier force—paints a picture of an Indian Navy methodically building a robust, multi-dimensional blue-water capability to secure India's interests across the Indo-Pacific region.
