India’s Nuclear Triad | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

India has achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the operationalization of its nuclear triad, comprising land-based, air-based, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems. This achievement is underscored by the successful deterrence patrol of the indigenous Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) INS Arihant, marking India's entry into a select group of nations possessing this capability.

Understanding the Nuclear Triad

Nuclear Triad Definition: The nuclear triad refers to the ability of a country to deploy nuclear weapons using three distinct platforms: aircraft, land-based ballistic missiles, and submarine-launched missiles. 

Key Developments

• INS Arihant's Deterrence Patrol:
  • India declared the operational status of its nuclear triad after INS Arihant, equipped with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, successfully completed a nearly month-long nuclear deterrence patrol.
  • This achievement signifies India's mastery over complex systems, bolstering its national security.
• Significance of INS Arihant:
  • INS Arihant now allows India to exert its strategic influence not only on land and in the air but also in the maritime domain.
  • India joins an elite group of nations, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, possessing this triad capability.
• Role in India's Nuclear Deterrence:
  • Given India's 'No-First-Use' (NFU) policy, SSBNs like INS Arihant serve as the most dependable platform for a second-strike capability.
  • These submarines can remain submerged indefinitely, making them difficult for adversaries to detect.
• Landmark Achievement:
  • India's successful deterrence patrol from under the sea demonstrates the country's comprehensive nuclear delivery capabilities.
  • It sends a clear message that nuclear blackmail will not be effective against India.

INS Arihant

• Arihant-Class Submarines:
  • INS Arihant is the lead ship of India's Arihant-class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
  • These submarines are integral to India's national security.
• Indigenous Development:
  • INS Arihant is India's first indigenously designed and built nuclear-powered submarine.
  • It is equipped with K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750 km and will carry longer-range K-4 missiles developed by DRDO.
• Enhancing India's Naval Capabilities:
  • The Arihant-class submarines represent a significant addition to India's naval strength, featuring advanced technology and indigenous components.
  • INS Arighat, the second submarine in the series, is undergoing sea trials for induction.

India's Submarine Fleet

• India currently operates a total of 16 submarines, comprising 1 SSBN, 1 SSN, and 14 SSKs.
• The submarines are stationed at two locations: Visakhapatnam on the east coast and Mumbai on the west coast.

Historical Perspective

India's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines began in the 1980s as part of its sea-based nuclear deterrent, complementing its airborne and land-based platforms.

Modernization and Current Capabilities

• India's nuclear-powered submarine program is managed by DRDO, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.
• The INS Arihant, commissioned in August 2016, marked a critical step towards operationalizing India's nuclear triad.
• India is in the process of constructing two new submarine bases, Karwar and INS Varsha, to further bolster its naval capabilities.

Conclusion

India's achievement in operationalizing its nuclear triad, with the successful deployment of INS Arihant, represents a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities. This accomplishment enhances India's national security, strengthens its nuclear deterrence posture, and reinforces its position as a mature nuclear-armed state.