India Commissions Third Nuclear Missile Submarine ‘Aridhaman’

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 16:27 IST

India quietly commissions third nuclear ballistic submarine INS Aridhaman in Visakhapatnam, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hints at induction in brief post on X

India has added another key asset to its strategic naval fleet with the commissioning of its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman (S4). The induction took place in Visakhapatnam, though officials kept the ceremony low-profile in line with the sensitive nature of the programme.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hinted at the development in a brief post on X, writing, “It’s not words but power, ‘Aridhaman’!", without sharing operational details.

The submarine had been nearing completion for some time. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi had stated in December that INS Aridhaman was in the final stages of trials and would soon join service.

India’s SSBN programme remains one of its most confidential defence projects, forming a crucial part of the country’s nuclear deterrence capability. These submarines are designed to operate stealthily and provide a secure second-strike option.

INS Aridhaman follows INS Arihant, the first submarine under the programme, which was launched in 2009 and commissioned in 2016. The second vessel, INS Arighat, entered service in August 2024, marking steady progress in India’s indigenous nuclear submarine development.

The development also comes alongside the commissioning of INS Taragiri in Visakhapatnam, an event that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to attend. The induction of the warship assumes significance at a time when India’s eastern seaboard is gaining strategic and maritime importance, amid changing regional security dynamics and the country’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

INS Taragiri is the fourth stealth frigate under the Project 17A programme and reflects the Navy’s continued push to enhance its combat capabilities and operational preparedness through fleet expansion. Weighing around 6,670 tonnes, the vessel is a major step forward in indigenous warship design and construction.

Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, the frigate features improved stealth characteristics, including a reduced radar signature, making it harder to detect during operations.

With over 75 per cent indigenous content, the project highlights the strength of India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, involving more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises and supporting large-scale employment, in line with the government’s push for self-reliance.

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