In big step towards nuke triad, India set to commission 2nd nuclear-sub today

INS Arighat, India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear), is likely to be commissioned on Thursday (August 29).  Also known as S-3, INS Arighat is an upgraded version of India's first SSBN--INS Arihant. The commissioning of the new SSBN is seen as a significant advancement in India's naval capabilities, particularly concerning its strategic nuclear deterrence.

The submarine will be commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of top naval officials at a quiet event in Visakhapatnam, Hindustan Times reported quoting people aware of the matter. As per defence sources, preparations for the commissioning ceremony are in their final stages.

The submarine is the second boat of the Arihant class indigenous nuclear submarines and will be supporting the existing INS Arihant which was inducted in 2009, according to a news agency ANI. It is part of a four-SSBN project, with two others-- currently designated as S4 and S4-- also under construction.