India has discreetly launched its fourth homegrown nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), known as S-4*, capable of firing nuclear-armed missiles. The first indigenous SSBN was launched in 2009 and entered service in 2016. This year, the Navy inducted its second SSBN, INS Arighaat, on August 29, 2024. The third, INS Aridhaman, is set for commissioning in 2025. With its induction, India’s second-strike nuclear capability will be fully operational next year. INS Aridhaman, armed with K-4 missiles, has a range of 3,500 km.
