Arihant, Arighaat, Aridhaman: Inside India’s growing nuclear submarine triad against China, Pakistan
Times of India
by AYUSH PANDEYFebruary 23, 2026
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India's underwater nuclear deterrence is set to expand significantly with the upcoming induction of INS Aridhaman, a third Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, by May 2026. This addition will bolster India's strategic capabilities alongside the existing INS Arihant and INS Arighat, marking a substantial shift in its defense posture. These submarines, part of India's sea-based nuclear triad, are designed to provide a robust second-strike capability against adversaries like China and Pakistan, who are also enhancing their underwater arsenals.
The first submarine, INS Arihant, was commissioned in 2016 after decades of development under the Advanced Technology Vessel program. It displaces approximately 6,000 tonnes and is powered by an indigenous compact light water reactor, offering unlimited operational range and high stealth capabilities. Arihant's armament includes four vertical launch system tubes for K-4 missiles with a range of up to 3,500 km, significantly extending India's maritime strike capabilities. Its successful completion of the first deterrence patrol in 2018 marked a milestone, solidifying India's position as a nuclear power with sea-based deterrents.
INS Arighat, commissioned in 2024, represents an enhanced version of Arihant, featuring improved design and longer-range missile capabilities. With its advanced propulsion system and optimized vertical launch tubes, Arighat reinforces India's ability to maintain stealthy patrols and deliver devastating retaliatory strikes. The induction of INS Aridhaman by 2026 will further strengthen this capability, ensuring a credible minimum deterrence
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026