India launches fourth nuclear-powered submarine to strengthen Navy’s capabilities
- In Reports
- 12:53 PM, Oct 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has launched the country's fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Vishakhapatnam. The new submarine, currently referred to as "S4," is a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its naval capabilities. Notably, 75% of this submarine has been built indigenously, reflecting India's growing self-reliance in defence production.
The launch of the submarine on October 16 underscores India's commitment to bolstering its defence preparedness, particularly in light of evolving security challenges. With the addition of this submarine, India's nuclear deterrence capability is expected to grow stronger, providing enhanced security along its extensive coastline. The submarine fleet is crucial for maintaining a strong defence posture in a volatile global environment.
This new development comes as the construction of INS Aridhaman, India’s third nuclear-powered submarine, continues. The government has also cleared the production of two additional nuclear-powered attack submarines following the approval from the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) on October 9. These measures are aimed at addressing the growing defence needs in the Indo-Pacific region.
India already has two nuclear-powered submarines—INS Arihant and INS Arighat—operational within the Navy. INS Arighat was commissioned earlier this year in August, and INS Aridhaman is expected to join the fleet next year, further strengthening India's naval capabilities. The latest submarine launch is a key step forward in building a robust and versatile submarine force.
Rajnath Singh’s launch of the submarine came just a day after he laid the foundation stone for the Very Low Frequency (VLF) station in Vikarabad, Telangana. This station will play a pivotal role in ensuring secure and real-time communication between submarines and command centres, safeguarding India’s maritime interests. After the foundation-laying ceremony, Singh emphasised the importance of this facility on his social media account, X, stating, "The facility will ensure ‘secure & real-time communication’ between ships/submarines with command centres safeguarding maritime interests."
Singh further highlighted the crucial role of the Indian Navy in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), saying, "Indian Navy is the biggest guarantee of peace in the Indian Ocean Region. Maritime security is a collective effort; All friendly countries must work together to maintain peace & order in IOR. India believes in uniting rather than dividing; the Security wheel breaks if even one country is left out."
India's expanding nuclear submarine fleet is part of a broader strategy to ensure maritime security and deter any potential threats. As the country continues to invest in strengthening its naval forces, these submarines are expected to play a vital role in maintaining stability in the region.
Comments