Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 22, 2024, 11:26 AM
Indian Navy: India has launched the fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile (SSBN) submarine at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam with an aim to further strengthen its nuclear deterrence against its adversaries. The submarine is codenamed 'S4', and was formally launched by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on 16 October 2024. About 75% of the construction material of this important submarine has been made in India itself, which is a major achievement towards India's self-reliance.Features of S4 submarineThe S4 submarine is equipped with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles with a range of up to 3,500 kilometers. These missiles can be fired through a vertical launching system, making this nuclear submarine highly dangerous and accurate. In contrast, the first submarine of the same class, INS Arihant, is capable of carrying K-15 missiles with a range of 750 kilometers.The construction and launch of S4 will further strengthen India's maritime defense and empower it against its adversaries such as China. This initiative of India makes it clear that the priority of nuclear attack and ballistic missile submarines ranks high in the strategic goals of the central government.INS Aridaman: Naming of S4The S4 submarine is likely to be formally named 'INS Aridaman'. India's first nuclear submarine 'INS Chakra' was named S1, INS Arihant was named S2, and INS Arighat was named S3. The fourth submarine of the same series is S4, which is equipped with the latest technology and strong defense system. It is going to play an important role in India's security plans.India's Defense Strategy: Priority of Submarine ProgramGiven the growing threat from powerful adversaries like China, India has placed nuclear submarines at the top of its defense priorities. This is the reason why the government has prioritized the construction and development of nuclear ballistic missile submarines over the third aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy. As part of this move, the government has also enhanced the capacity of conventional submarines. The 'Kalvari' class submarine, INS Vagsheer, which is to be commissioned by December 2024, is one of the examples of this.The Bottom LineIndia's S4 submarine launch is a step that takes the country's maritime security and nuclear deterrence to a new height. It is not only a significant achievement towards self-reliance but is also a part of India's strong and effective strategy against adversaries like China. This move by India makes it clear that the country is committed to further strengthen its nuclear and maritime deterrence.