Arihant Class
India2016 - Present
The Arihant class makes India one of only six nations operating nuclear ballistic missile submarines. Built indigenously under the Advanced Technology Vessel program, it completes India's nuclear triad.
Primary Specifications
Displacement
6000 ton
India's indigenous nuclear submarine
Length
112 m
Compact hull for regional operations
Max Depth
300 m
Designed for Indian Ocean depths
Armament (Primary)
12x K-15 or 4x K-4 SLBMs
Mix of short and medium range SLBMs
Crew
95
Modern crew complement
Quick Summary
What it is?
A nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) for strategic deterrence
Who uses it?
Indian Navy Strategic Forces Command
Role
Strategic nuclear deterrence - completing India's nuclear triad
What's different?
First SSBN built outside the five permanent UN Security Council members - carries 12 K-15 (750 km) or 4 K-4 (3,500 km) missiles
Why it matters?
Gives India a survivable second-strike nuclear capability against China and Pakistan, completing the nuclear triad.
Real-World Impact
1
Second Strike
Provides assured nuclear retaliation capability even after a first strike
2
Regional Deterrence
K-4 missiles can reach all major Chinese and Pakistani cities
3
Continuous Patrol
Working toward continuous at-sea deterrence with multiple boats
4
Strategic Independence
Reduces reliance on land-based missiles that can be targeted
Additional Features
Propulsion Type
Nuclear (83MW PWR)
Stealth Features
Double Hull
Special Capabilities
India's first indigenous nuclear SSBN
FAQs
1. What does 'Arihant' mean?
Arihant means 'Destroyer of Enemies' in Sanskrit. It's appropriate for India's first nuclear-armed submarine.2. How many are being built?
3. What missiles does it carry?
4. Who helped build it?
5. How big is the crew?
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