India Launches 4th Nuclear-Missile Submarine Amid Rising Global Tensions
In a strategic move to enhance its nuclear deterrence capabilities, India has launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
The submarine, codenamed S4, was launched on October 16, 2024, marking another critical milestone for India’s naval defense.
This development follows the commissioning of the second SSBN, INS Arighaat, in August 2024, and comes ahead of the planned commissioning of the third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, next year. The launch of the S4* SSBN, which has 75% indigenous content, is seen as a significant step toward strengthening India’s maritime defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Features of India’s New SSBN
The newly launched SSBN is equipped with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles, which have a range of 3,500 kilometers and are deployed through vertical launching systems. This is a considerable upgrade from INS Arihant, the first SSBN in its class, which carries the shorter-range K-15 missiles. The S4* submarine is designed for long-term sea patrols, with unlimited endurance, constrained only by food supplies, crew fatigue, and maintenance requirements.
India’s first nuclear-missile submarine, INS Arihant, was designated as S2, followed by INS Arighaat as S3. The S4* submarine represents the final vessel of this class, with plans for larger SSBNs, carrying missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 kilometers, in development.
Enhancing India’s Naval Capabilities
The launch also coincides with the government’s clearance of two nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of India’s defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s inauguration of the Very Low Frequency Naval Station in Telangana for enhanced command and communications with the Navy’s strategic assets further underscores the government’s focus on bolstering naval capabilities.
With these advancements, India is positioning itself as a formidable force in the region, reinforcing its nuclear deterrence while navigating rising global tensions.
