• China’s neighbor to roll out colossal 7,000-ton stealth sub with 3,700-mile missile reach The latest Arihant-class submarine is the first in its line to carry eight full-size vertical launch tubes. • The Indian Navy is getting ready to commission its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, a 7,000-ton underwater giant and the largest vessel yet built under the Arihant-class program. • The massive nuclear stealth submarine, created under the long-running Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) program at Visakhapatnam’s Ship Building Centre (SBC), is expected to join the fleet as early as April or May 2026. • According to defense sources, INS Aridhaman, codenamed S4, is about 1,000 tons heavier than its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. • It recently completed its final stage of deep-sea trials. • The development represents a significant upgrade in the Indian Navy’s advanced defense capabilities.
Article Summaries:
- India’s navy is preparing to commission INS Aridhaman (S4), a 7,000‑ton nuclear‑powered ballistic‑missile submarine that will be the largest vessel built under the Arihant program. The 426‑ft hull carries eight vertical‑launch tubes and can launch up to 24 K‑15 or eight K‑4 missiles with ranges of 466 to 2,174 miles, and is designed to carry long‑range K‑5 missiles reaching 3,728 miles. Powered by an 83‑MW compact light‑water reactor and equipped with advanced stealth features, the sub is 75 % indigenous under the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy. Expected to join the fleet by April/May 2026, it will enable a three‑ship rotation for continuous at‑sea deterrence.
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