New Delhi – India is set to further enhance its strategic forces with the induction of a new indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), named Aridaman, confirmed Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Tuesday. The announcement came during his annual media briefing ahead of Navy Day on December 4. According to Tripathi, Aridaman is in the final stages of trials and will be commissioned into service soon, becoming the third Arihant-class submarine in India’s nuclear fleet.

Aridaman will provide an undetectable launch platform for nuclear-capable missiles, forming a critical component of India’s nuclear triad, which ensures the country’s ability to launch strategic weapons from land, air, and sea. Following Aridaman, the navy is expected to commission a fourth SSBN, S-4, by 2027. The first two indigenous SSBNs – INS Arihant and INS Arighaat – have already strengthened India’s deterrence capabilities, with Arihant completing its first deterrence patrol in 2018. The Arihant-class submarines are capable of launching B-05 and K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), with ranges extending up to 3,500 km, enabling strategic reach across the region.

Highlighting the strategic balance in South Asia, Tripathi noted that India maintains a larger nuclear arsenal than Pakistan, although China’s stockpile remains significantly larger. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated India’s nuclear warheads at 180, compared to 170 for Pakistan and 600 for China as of January 2025. Beyond submarines, India’s nuclear deterrent includes land-based Agni ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft such as Rafales, Sukhoi-30s, and Mirage-2000s, all capable of delivering nuclear payloads under the “no first use” doctrine.

Tripathi also outlined progress on Project 75I, a ₹70,000-crore initiative to build next-generation conventional submarines. Under this programme, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) will jointly construct six advanced submarines, featuring Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)systems to enhance underwater endurance and reduce detectability. The first submarine under P-75I is expected seven years after contract finalisation, with subsequent vessels delivered at one-per-year intervals. The project includes transfer of design and technology to India, supporting indigenous capabilities with 45% to 60% local content across the fleet.

Reflecting on India’s operational experience, the navy chief discussed Operation Sindoor, a four-day confrontation with Pakistan in May 2025. The operation, he noted, had a measurable impact on Pakistan’s economy, with international shipping companies avoiding Pakistani ports and insurance premiums rising. India’s aggressive maritime posture in the northern Arabian Sea, backed by continuous domain awareness and the Vikrant carrier battle group, effectively confined Pakistan’s navy to its coastal waters.

Tripathi further highlighted upcoming developments in India’s naval aviation capabilities. The first deliveries of Rafale-M fighter jets for aircraft carriers will begin in 2029, under a ₹63,000-crore contract with France. India has ordered 26 naval Rafale fighters, including four twin-seat trainers, to operate from the navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Vikramadityaaircraft carriers. The deal also includes local production of fuselages, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and technology transfer for integration of indigenous weapons.

With these additions, India’s navy is set to consolidate its underwater and aerial capabilities, maintain strategic deterrence, and further strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing, positioning the country as a formidable maritime power in the region.