India’s 4th nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4, was launched into water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam on 16 October, 2024.
- This submarine is bigger and more capable than the first, INS Arihant (S2).
- The S4 is bigger and can carry a number of the K-4 submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). India currently has two SSBNs operational.
- INS Arihant was commissioned into service in August 2016. It has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes and is powered by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.
- The second SSBN, INS Arighaat (S3), which retains the same reactor and dimensions with several technological upgrades, was commissioned end-August.
- The 3rd SSBN Aridhman (S4) is currently undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned, into service next year.
- INS Arihant is presently armed with a 750km range K-15 SLBM.
- Earlier, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the construction of two indigenous nuclear attack submarines (SSN), also called hunter-killers, a critical requirement for the Indian Navy to monitor the Indo-Pacific.
