India is set to enhance its sea-based nuclear capability with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, reinforcing credible second-strike deterrence under the nuclear triad framework.

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• INS Aridhaman is the third indigenously built Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, expected to join the Indian Navy by April–May.
• Constructed under the Advanced Technology Vessel project at Visakhapatnam, the 7,000-tonne platform is larger than earlier submarines INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
• The submarine can carry twenty-four K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles with a 750-kilometre range and eight longer-range K-4 missiles.
• Equipped with an 83-megawatt pressurised water reactor and advanced acoustic dampening, it features enhanced stealth capabilities through sound-reducing technology.
• INS Aridhaman significantly boosts India’s assured second-strike capability, enabling retaliation even after sustaining a potential nuclear attack.
• With multiple operational SSBNs under the Strategic Forces Command, India advances towards Continuous At-Sea Deterrence ensuring uninterrupted maritime nuclear readiness.
• It is expected to be stationed at Project Varsha near Visakhapatnam, a high-security naval base designed for safeguarding strategic underwater assets.