India Strengthens Naval Deterrence with Launch of Fourth Nuclear Submarine
- Posted on October 22, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 87 Views
India launched its fourth nuclear-powered submarine, S4*, on October 16, enhancing its naval deterrence amid regional tensions. Equipped with K-4 missiles, the submarine is part of India's strategy to strengthen its maritime capabilities against adversaries like China.
In a strategic move to enhance its naval capabilities, India launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), codenamed S4*, on October 16, 2024. This launch took place at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, shortly after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a Very Low Frequency Naval Station aimed at bolstering command and communication for strategic assets.
The S4* is part of India’s ongoing efforts to develop a robust nuclear deterrent amid increasing regional tensions, including a diplomatic rift with Canada. The new SSBN features around 75% indigenous components and is equipped with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles that have a range of 3,500 kilometers. This advancement comes as India prepares to commission its third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, in the coming year.
Previous models, such as INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, are already conducting deep-sea patrols, showcasing India’s commitment to a credible second-strike capability. The Indian government is prioritizing the development of underwater deterrents, given that surface ships like aircraft carriers are vulnerable to long-range missile attacks from adversaries, particularly China.
The latest SSBN will bolster the Indian Navy's strategic posture, complementing the planned construction of additional nuclear attack submarines and enhancing conventional submarine capabilities. This focus on submarine warfare aims to secure India's interests in the increasingly contested waters of the Indian Ocean Region, where Chinese naval activity has been on the rise.
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As tensions escalate, India continues to modernize its maritime forces, ensuring a formidable presence to counter potential threats from neighboring nations.
