India’s third domestically produced N-sub is put into service; Rajnath also launched a stealth frigate and large cavitation tunnel facility in Vizag

NEW DELHI: India’s third indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Aridhaman was inducted into the Navy on Friday, an official source confirmed to TOI, which will significantly enhance India’s “second strike capability”.The commissioning of a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) as part of the classified Advanced Technology Ships program has not yet been announced. However, sources confirmed that INS Alidaman was launched at an event in Visakhapatnam, attended by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.A cryptic post by Rajnath on X on Friday morning was seen by many as confirmation. “Shabd nahee shakti hai, ‘Aridhaman’! (It’s not a word, it’s the power, ‘Aridhaman’!),” the minister posted.INS Aridhaman has a displacement of 7,000 tons (1,000 tons more than its predecessor) and is powered by an 83 MW compact light water reactor. The 130-meter-long submarine is designed to enhance stealth and will enhance India’s nuclear triad. INS Aridhaman is equipped with eight vertical launch system tubes (four in earlier models) and is capable of carrying 24 K-15 Sagarika missiles (range 750 km) or eight K-4 missiles (range 3,500 km).India’s first domestically produced nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, was launched in July 2009 and quietly entered service in 2016, while the ballistic missile nuclear submarine INS Arighaat will enter service in August 2024.In Visakhapatnam, Rajnath also commissioned the indigenously developed 6,670-ton stealth frigate INS Taragiri, the fourth warship of the Nilgiri class (Project 17A). Built by the Mazagon Dock shipyard, INS Taragiri represents a generational leap over earlier designs as its radar cross-section is significantly reduced, allowing it to operate in a lethally stealthy manner.Rajnath also laid the foundation stone of the Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) facility at the DRDO Naval Science and Technology Laboratory in Visakhapatnam. The facility will significantly enhance the research and testing capabilities of the Indian Navy. “It will serve as a fundamental pillar in submarine and ship design and development, supporting future advances in naval engineering and maritime defense systems,” the minister said.Rajnath said, “95 per cent of our trade is through sea routes and energy security also depends on this route. Therefore, a strong navy is not an option but a basic necessity. The induction of INS Taragiri shows India’s growing indigenous strength and growing ‘atmanirbharta’ in this domain.” He said, “Whether it is the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Malacca, the navy remains on standby to provide various types of assistance even during humanitarian crises.”““The vast ocean contains numerous sensitive points and our navy has maintained an active presence at these sensitive points to ensure smooth movement of cargo,” Rajnath said. “Whenever tensions rise, indian navy Take measures to ensure the safety of commercial ships and tankers. It not only safeguards India’s national interests but is also prepared to take all necessary measures to protect our citizens and global trade routes. It is this capability that firmly establishes India as a responsible and powerful maritime power. “