India Launches Fourth Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine, S4*
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | India's fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), designated S4*, was officially launched into the water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam |
| Context | Launched after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's inauguration of a Very Low Frequency Naval Station. |
| Indigenous Content | Approximately 75% indigenous components |
| Missile Capability | Equipped with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles (range: 3,500 km) |
| Comparison with Predecessors | - INS Arihant (S2): K-15 missiles (750 km) - INS Arighaat and S4*: Upgraded with K-4 missiles |
| Operational Capacity | Unlimited range and endurance (constraints: food, crew fatigue, maintenance) |
| Current Patrols | INS Arihant and INS Arighaat on deep-sea patrols |
| Naming Convention | INS Chakra (S1), INS Arihant (S2), INS Arighaat (S3), INS Aridhaman (S4*) |
| Future Developments | - Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine expected on lease in 2028. - Next class of SSBNs: 12,000 tons displacement, capable of carrying nuclear missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 km. |
| Strategic Focus | Emphasis on sea-based nuclear deterrence to counter threats from China. Shift in priorities from acquiring aircraft carriers to developing nuclear attack and ballistic missile submarines. |
| Conventional Submarine Development | Sixth diesel attack submarine, INS Vagsheer, set to be commissioned in December 2024. |
| Increased PLA Presence | 10-11 PLA Navy warships operating in the Indian Ocean monthly since last year. |