INS Arihant

{{Short description|Indian nuclear powered submarine}}

{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}

{{Infobox ship begin}}

{{Infobox ship image

| image = INS Arihant at sea (cropped).jpg

| Ship image = INS Arihant

| Ship caption = INS Arihant

}}

{{Infobox ship career

| Hide header =

| Ship country = India

| Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|India|naval}}

| Ship name = INS Arihant

| Ship namesake = Sanskrit for "Conqueror" inspired from Jainism

| Ship ordered =

| Ship awarded =

| Ship builder = Shipbuilding Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam, India

| Ship laid down = 2004

| Ship launched = 26 July 2009

| Ship christened =

| Ship acquired = 13 December 2014

| Ship commissioned = August 2016

| Ship recommissioned =

| Ship decommissioned =

| Ship in service =

| Ship out of service =

| Ship renamed =

| Ship reclassified =

| Ship refit =

| Ship struck =

| Ship reinstated =

| Ship homeport = Visakhapatnam

| Ship captured =

| Ship fate =

| Ship status = {{Ship in active service}}

}}

{{Infobox ship characteristics

| Hide header =

| Header caption =

| Ship class = {{sclass|Arihant|submarine|0}} ballistic missile submarine

| Ship displacement = Surface: 6,000 tonne (estimated) {{cite web |url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/551/india-to-construct-two-more-arihant-nuclear-submarines-for-navy.html |title=India to Construct Two More Arihant Nuclear Submarines for Navy |publisher=DefenceNow |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712032120/http://www.defencenow.com/news/551/india-to-construct-two-more-arihant-nuclear-submarines-for-navy.html |archive-date=12 July 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

| Ship length = {{convert|111|m|ft|abbr=on}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl2617/stories/20090828261702500.htm |title=Nuclear Arm |first=T.S. |last=Subramanian |magazine=The Frontline |volume=26 |issue=17 |date=15 August 2009 |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526061306/http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl2617/stories/20090828261702500.htm |archive-date=26 May 2013 |url-status=live }}

| Ship beam = {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}}

| Ship draft = {{convert|11|m|ft|abbr=on}}

| Ship propulsion = *1 x CLWR-B1 Compact Light-water reactor{{cite news |title=Founder's Day Speech, Director, BARC |url=http://www.barc.gov.in/presentations/fddir18.pdf |access-date=21 March 2021 |date=30 October 2018 |publisher=Bhabha Atomic Research Centre}}{{cite journal |title=DAE (Excellence in Science, Engineering & Technology) Awards 2010 |journal=BARC Newsletter |issue=322 |page=33 |url=http://www.barc.gov.in/publications/nl/2011/2011091009.pdf |access-date=21 March 2021 |date=2011 |archive-date=15 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515202113/http://barc.gov.in/publications/nl/2011/2011091009.pdf |url-status=dead }}
83 MW

  • one turbine; one shaft; one 7-bladed, high-skew propeller (estimated)

| Ship speed = *Submerged: {{convert|24|kn|km/h mph|lk=in}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/arihant-class/ |title=Retrieved on 2016-10-21. |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502115614/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/arihant-class |archive-date=2 May 2013 |url-status=live }}

  • Surfaced: {{convert|15|kn|km/h mph|lk=in}}

| Ship range = unlimited except by food supplies

| Ship endurance =

| Ship test depth = {{convert|350|m|ft|abbr=on}} (estimated){{Cite web |url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?get=new&id=R5mr0CLjcww= |title = Defence News - Arihant has dived below "crushing depths" |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140826090954/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?get=new&id=R5mr0CLjcww= |archive-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=dead}}

| Ship boats =

| Ship capacity =

| Ship troops =

| Ship complement = 95–100 officers and men

| Ship crew =

| Ship time to activate =

| Ship sensors = *DRDO USHUS sonar

  • DRDO Panchendriya unified submarine sonar, control system and underwater communication system

| Ship EW =

| Ship armament = *6 × {{convert|533|mm|in|abbr=on|0}} torpedo tubes - estd. 30 charges (torpedoes, missiles or mines)

  • 4 VLS cells for
  • 12 × K-15 Sagarika SLBM (or)
  • 4 × K-4 SLBM
  • {{cite web|first=John|last=Pike|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/atv-specs.htm|title=Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)| publisher=globalsecurity.org| date=27 July 2009| access-date=24 January 2011| url-status=live| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110829062226/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/atv-specs.htm|archive-date=29 August 2011}}

}}

INS Arihant (SSBN 80) ({{Lit|Conqueror}}), is the lead ship of India's {{sclass|Arihant|submarine|4}} of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. It is designated S2 Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine. The 6,000 tonne vessel was built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in the port city of Visakhapatnam.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20171218-india-ballistic-missile-submarine-k-6-submarine-launched-drdo-1102085-2017-12-10|title=From India Today magazine: A peek into India's top secret and costliest defence project, nuclear submarines|last1=Unnithan|first1=Sandeep|date=December 10, 2017|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-06-29}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-arihant-may-be-of-limited-utility/article6709623.ece|title=INS Arihant may be of limited utility|last=Anandan|first=S.|date=2014-12-20|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-30|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}

Arihant was launched on 26 July 2009, the anniversary of Vijay Diwas (Kargil War Victory Day) by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. After fitting out and extensive sea trials, on 23 February 2016, she was confirmed as ready for operations,{{Cite web|title = INS Arihant not to feature at International Fleet Review: Indian Navy chief - The Economic Times|url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ins-arihant-not-to-feature-at-international-fleet-review-indian-navy-chief/articleshow/50865629.cms|website = The Economic Times|access-date = 2016-02-05|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160209050548/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ins-arihant-not-to-feature-at-international-fleet-review-indian-navy-chief/articleshow/50865629.cms|archive-date = 9 February 2016|url-status = live}}{{Cite news|title = India's first nuclear submarine INS Arihant ready or operations, passes deep sea tests - The Economic Times|url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-first-nuclear-submarine-ins-arihant-ready-for-operations-passes-deep-sea-tests/articleshow/51098650.cms|website = The Economic Times|access-date = 2016-02-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160224044357/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-first-nuclear-submarine-ins-arihant-ready-for-operations-passes-deep-sea-tests/articleshow/51098650.cms|archive-date = 24 February 2016|url-status = live|last1 = Pubby|first1 = Manu}} commissioned in August 2016,{{Cite web |title =Now, India has a nuclear triad |url =http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/now-india-has-a-nuclear-triad/article9231307.ece |website =The Hindu |access-date =17 October 2016 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp |archive-date =24 September 2015 |url-status =live }}Vibhaas, Sane (18 October 2016). [https://www.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-NAN-nuclear-submarine-ins-arihant-has-been-commissioned-in-navy-news-hindi-5441621-PHO.html "Nuclear Submarine INS Arihant Inducted 'Quietly' In Indian Navy (Land, Air, and Water)"], Dainik Bhaskar. and deployed operationally in 2018.

Design

INS Arihant is the first of the planned five in the class of submarines designed and constructed as a part of the Indian Navy's secretive Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. The ATV project was set up in 1984, under Vice Admiral Mihir K. Roy as the first Director General. The {{sclass|Arihant|submarine|4}} submarines are reported to be based on the {{sclass|Akula|submarine}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/arihant-class/ |title=SSBN Arihant Class Submarine, India |publisher=naval-technology.com |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502115614/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/arihant-class |archive-date=2 May 2013 |url-status=live }} Their crew were to have the opportunity to train on INS Chakra, an Akula-class submarine, which the Indian Navy leased from Russia.{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/atv.htm|title=Arihant – Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)|publisher=Global Security|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226032637/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/atv.htm|archive-date=26 December 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/leased-russian-n-submarine-to-set-sail-for-india-this-month-end/1/164449.html|title=Leased Russian n-submarine to set sail for India this month end|work=indiatoday|date=15 December 2011|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105102758/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/leased-russian-n-submarine-to-set-sail-for-india-this-month-end/1/164449.html|archive-date=5 January 2012|url-status=live}} Arihant is intended to be more of "a technology demonstrator" than a fully operational SSBN according to Admiral Nirmal Verma.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Home-made-nuke-sub-INS-Arihant-to-be-inducted-in-2-years/articleshow/5293123.cms|title=Home-made nuke sub INS Arihant to be inducted in 2 years|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=3 December 2009|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613034034/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/EXPRESS-EXCLUSIVE-Maiden-Test-of-Undersea-K-4-Missile-From-Arihant-Submarine/2016/04/09/article3370608.ece|archive-date=13 June 2016|work=The Times of India|url-status=live}}

The vessel is powered by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Reactor-of-Indias-first-indigenous-nuclear-submarine-INS-Arihant-goes-critical/articleshow/21737816.cms |title=Reactor of India's first indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant goes 'critical' |work=The Times of India |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=10 August 2013 |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117011504/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Reactor-of-Indias-first-indigenous-nuclear-submarine-INS-Arihant-goes-critical/articleshow/21737816.cms |archive-date=17 January 2016 |url-status=live }} with enriched uranium fuel.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-set-to-launch-nuclear-powered-submarine/articleshow/4787167.cms | first1=Rajat | last1=Pandit | title=India set to launch nuclear-powered submarine | date=17 July 2009 | access-date=2 June 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613034034/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/EXPRESS-EXCLUSIVE-Maiden-Test-of-Undersea-K-4-Missile-From-Arihant-Submarine/2016/04/09/article3370608.ece | archive-date=13 June 2016 | work=The Times of India | url-status=live }} A land-based prototype of the reactor was first built at Kalpakkam and made operational in September 2006. Successful operation for three years yielded the data that enabled the production version for Arihant.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/03/stories/2009080353810100.htm |title=PWR building shows indigenous capability, says Kakodkar |first=T.S. |last=Subramanian |date=2 August 2009 |access-date=2 August 2009 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808043941/http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/03/stories/2009080353810100.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=8 August 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=5721403d-8f66-43e2-92c4-4f3148032565&Headline=Arihant+propulsion+reactor+unveiled|title=Arihant propulsion reactor unveiled|first=MR|last=Venkatesh|date=2 August 2009|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=2 June 2015}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} It was reported that an 80 MW nuclear reactor was integrated into the hull of the ATV in January 2008.{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&&issueid=37&id=3659&Itemid=1&page=in&latn=2 |title=The secret undersea weapon |work=indiatoday |date=17 January 2008 |access-date=2 June 2015}}

The hull for the vessel was built by L&T's Hazira shipbuilding facility. Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division (SED) built the control systems for the submarine. The systems for the steam turbine integrated with the reactor were supplied by Walchandnagar Industries.{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_private-sector-played-a-major-role-in-arihant_1277435 |title=Private sector played a major role in Arihant – India – DNA |work=Daily News and Analysis |last=Joseph |first=Josy |date=27 July 2009 |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916225008/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_private-sector-played-a-major-role-in-arihant_1277435 |archive-date=16 September 2012 |url-status=live }} Consultancy was provided by Russia.{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/russians-helped-with-ins-arihant-s-heart-kakodkar-6659 |title=Russians helped with INS Arihant's heart: Kakodkar |work=NDTV |last=Bagla |first=Pallava |date=3 August 2009 |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220061411/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/russians-helped-with-ins-arihant-s-heart-kakodkar-6659 |archive-date=20 December 2014 |url-status=live }} Russia was also reported to have provided assistance to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) scientists in miniaturising the reactor to fit into the hull of the nuclear submarine{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/how-india-s-pride-ins-arihant-was-built-113081100745_1.html |title=How India's pride INS Arihant was built |work=Business Standard |last=Malhotra |first=Jyoti |date=12 August 2013 |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211090449/http://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/how-india-s-pride-ins-arihant-was-built-113081100745_1.html |archive-date=11 February 2017 |url-status=live }}

=Armament=

File:Arihant 1.svg

Arihant has four vertical launch tubes, which can carry 12 (three per launch tube) smaller K-15 missiles or four larger K-4 missiles. The K-4 has a longer range of {{convert|3500|km|abbr=on}}, and had commenced trials in 2014.{{cite news|title=Success on debut for undersea launch of missile|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/success-on-debut-for-undersea-launch-of-missile/article5986757.ece|access-date=2 June 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|first=T.S.|last=Subramanian|date=8 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034431/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/success-on-debut-for-undersea-launch-of-missile/article5986757.ece|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=India tests new underwater nuclear missile|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-tests-new-underwater-nuclear-missile/articleshow/32694060.cms|access-date=2 June 2015|newspaper=The Times of India|date=26 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501055208/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-tests-new-underwater-nuclear-missile/articleshow/32694060.cms|archive-date=1 May 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=India tests 3,000 km range n-missile in secret|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/india-tests-3000-km-range-n-missile-in-secret|first=Vishal|last=Thapar|access-date=2 June 2015|newspaper=The Sunday Guardian|date=10 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520032940/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/india-tests-3000-km-range-n-missile-in-secret|archive-date=20 May 2015|url-status=live}}

Development phases

A nuclear scientist familiar with the project, on the condition of anonymity, echoed this report in response to media reports that India had successfully launched a completed nuclear submarine.{{cite web | url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=64065&n_tit=India%27s+Nuclear+Sub+Doesn%27t+Have+Working+Reactor+Yet | title=India's Nuclear Sub Doesn't Have Working Reactor Yet | date=13 August 2009 | work=Daiji World | last=Jayaraman | first=KS | access-date=2 June 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923230014/http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=64065&n_tit=India%27s+Nuclear+Sub+Doesn%27t+Have+Working+Reactor+Yet | archive-date=23 September 2015 | url-status=live }} It was also expected that building the reactor, integration of systems, and sea trials would take three to five years.{{cite web|url=http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/364/ |title=India's INS Arihant Makes First Contact with Water |last=Von Kospoth |first=Nicolas |date=28 July 2009 |work=Defense Professionals Daily |access-date=10 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905085745/http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/364 |archive-date=5 September 2009 }}

Admiral Verma told reporters on 7 August 2012 that sea trials of Arihant were commencing in coming months, and she was steadily progressing towards operationalisation.{{cite news | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-08-07/news/33083483_1_ins-arihant-nuclear-submarine-sea-trials | title= India's first home-built nuclear submarine INS Arihant set for trials | date=7 August 2012 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On 27 January 2013, Sagarika, the primary armament of Arihant, completed its final developmental test and was later integrated with the submarine.{{cite news|title=India successfully test-fires underwater missile|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-successfully-testfires-underwater-missile/article4350553.ece|access-date=2 June 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 January 2013|location=Chennai, India|first1=Y.|last1=Mallikarjun|first2=T. S.|last2=Subramanian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124182916/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-successfully-testfires-underwater-missile/article4350553.ece|archive-date=24 November 2016|url-status=live}} On 10 August 2013, the nuclear reactor of the submarine went critical this after several months of system checks using shore-based high-pressure steam.{{cite web |url=http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/nuclear-reactor-of-ins-arihant-achieved-criticality-when-the-boat-was-in-the-sea-1376214166-1 |title=Arihant achieves criticality when the boat was "already in the sea" |publisher=Jagran Josh |date=11 August 2013 |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030202241/http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/nuclear-reactor-of-ins-arihant-achieved-criticality-when-the-boat-was-in-the-sea-1376214166-1 |archive-date=30 October 2014 |url-status=live }} The reactor's power was raised in increments of 5 to 10% until it reached full power.

Launch

INS Arihant was introduced to the public on 26 July 2009 at a symbolic launch ceremony by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/26/content_11775324.htm|title=Wife of Indian PM launches home-made nuclear attack submarine|date=26 July 2009|work=Xinhuanet|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091135/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/26/content_11775324.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}} The launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of the conclusion of the Kargil War.{{cite news |last=Unnithan |first=Sandeep |date=16 July 2009 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51956§ionid=4&secid=&Itemid=1&issueid=114 |title=Exclusive: PM's wife to launch INS Arihant, India's first nuclear submarine |newspaper=indiatoday |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725101333/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51956§ionid=4&secid=&Itemid=1&issueid=114 |archive-date=25 July 2009 |url-status=live }} The vessel was floated by flooding the dry dock. Gursharan Kaur cracked a coconut on the hull to mark the launch of the submarine, a naval tradition, at the secret naval base in Visakhapatnam.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200907261621.htm |title=India inducts nuke submarine into navy |date=26 July 2009 |work=The Hindu |access-date=10 September 2009 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729212011/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200907261621.htm |archive-date=29 July 2009 }} Photography was prohibited and photos showing the complete vessel were not available.{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/phsmall.asp?phid=23704 |title=PIB's Latest Photograph |publisher=Pib.nic.in |access-date=17 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804105946/http://pib.nic.in/release/phsmall.asp?phid=23704 |archive-date=4 August 2009 }}{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/phsmall.asp?phid=23703 |title=PIB's Latest Photograph |publisher=Pib.nic.in |access-date=17 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717071224/http://www.pib.nic.in/release/phsmall.asp?phid=23703 |archive-date=17 July 2011 }} In his address to the crowd, Prime Minister Singh billed the submarine as an outcome of a public-private partnership. He also thanked Russia in his address.{{cite news |first=Harmeet Shah |last=Singh |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/07/26/india.nuclear.submarine/index.html |title=India launches nuclear submarine |work=CNN |date=26 July 2009 |access-date=17 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819025959/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/07/26/india.nuclear.submarine/index.html |archive-date=19 August 2009 |url-status=live }} The launch of Arihant strengthened India's endeavour to build a credible nuclear triad – the capability to fire nuclear weapons from air, land and sea.

Trials and commissioning

File:B05 SLBM.jpg SLBM]]

On 13 December 2014, Arihant sailed north along the Bay of Bengal coast for its extensive sea trials.{{cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indias-nuclear-submarine-arihant-flagged-off-for-sea-trials/articleshow/45526418.cms | title=India's nuclear submarine Arihant flagged off for sea trials | newspaper=Economic Times | date=13 December 2014 | access-date=2 June 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613034034/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/EXPRESS-EXCLUSIVE-Maiden-Test-of-Undersea-K-4-Missile-From-Arihant-Submarine/2016/04/09/article3370608.ece | archive-date=13 June 2016 | url-status=live }} The sea trials included the firing of the indigenous submarine-launched Sagarika ballistic missile.{{cite news |title=Indigenous n-sub's sea trials by year-end |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/indigenous-n-sub-s-sea-trials-by-year-end-114110200417_1.html |work=Business Standard |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=2 November 2014 |access-date=9 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190310221842/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/indigenous-n-sub-s-sea-trials-by-year-end-114110200417_1.html |archive-date=10 March 2019 |url-status=live }}

On 25 November 2015, an unarmed Sagarika missile was successfully test-fired from Arihant.{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/49935508.cms |title=Nuclear capable Arihant submarine successfully test-fires unarmed missile |first=Gulshan |last=Luthra |work=The Economic Times |access-date=26 November 2015 |date=26 November 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The submarine then underwent further extensive sea trials, which were completed by early February 2016. Though it had initially been expected Arihant would be commissioned in time to participate in the International Fleet Review 2016, her participation was subsequently ruled out due to security concerns. On 23 February, Arihant was officially confirmed as ready for operations.

According to The Economic Times, several weapons trials of INS Arihant were undertaken secretly.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ins-arihant-completes-indias-nuclear-triad-pm-modi-felicitates-crew/articleshow/66509959.cms|title=INS Arihant completes India's nuclear triad, PM Modi felicitates crew|date=2018-11-06|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-06-30|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526095951/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ins-arihant-completes-indias-nuclear-triad-pm-modi-felicitates-crew/articleshow/66509959.cms|archive-date=26 May 2019}}

In August 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned INS Arihant into the Indian Navy.{{cite news |url=http://www.newsx.com/national/43962-newsx-exclusive-india-completes-nuclear-triad-with-ins-arihant |title=NewsX Exclusive: India completes 'nuclear triad' with INS Arihant |first=Ashish |last=Singh |work=NewsX |access-date=17 October 2016 |date=17 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018222609/http://www.newsx.com/national/43962-newsx-exclusive-india-completes-nuclear-triad-with-ins-arihant |archive-date=18 October 2016 |url-status=live }} Commissioning and arming Arihant completed India's nuclear triad.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-arihant-completes-deterrence-patrol-india-declares-nuclear-traid-operational/article25425436.ece|title=India's nuclear triad is complete with INS Arihant ending its first deterrence patrol|date=2018-11-05|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-04|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}

Operational history

File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving the crew of INS Arihant.jpg addressing the crew of Arihant after its first patrol]]

= 2017 accident =

In January 2018 it was alleged that an aft hatch on the submarine was left open by mistake while the Arihant was docked in 2017, leading to saltwater flooding the propulsion compartment, rendering the submarine inoperative for ten months while corroding pipes were replaced.{{cite web|title=India Learned One Way How to Sink a $3 Billion Dollar Submarine: Leave a Hatch Open|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/india-learned-one-way-how-sink-3-billion-dollar-submarine-leave-hatch-open-75361?amp|access-date=25 December 2020|website=The National Interest|date=22 August 2019 }}{{cite news|last1=Peri|first1=Dinakar|last2=Joseph|first2=Josy|date=8 January 2018|title=INS Arihant left crippled after 'accident' 10 months ago|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-arihant-left-crippled-after-accident-10-months-ago/article22392049.ece|url-status=live|access-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517153546/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-arihant-left-crippled-after-accident-10-months-ago/article22392049.ece|archive-date=17 May 2019}}{{cite news|last1=Pubby|first1=Manu|date=8 January 2018|title=India's only nuclear-armed submarine is back in the water after contamination fears|work=The Print|url=https://theprint.in/report/indias-only-nuclear-armed-submarine-ins-arihant-is-back-in-the-water/27307/|url-status=live|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044625/https://theprint.in/report/indias-only-nuclear-armed-submarine-ins-arihant-is-back-in-the-water/27307/|archive-date=6 March 2019}}{{Cite web|last=Suciu|first=Peter|date=2021-06-28|title=The Dumbest Way Ever to Sink a Submarine? An Open Hatch (It Nearly Happened)|url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/06/the-dumbest-way-ever-to-sink-a-submarine-an-open-hatch-it-nearly-happened/|access-date=2021-06-30|website=19FortyFive|language=en-US}}

These allegations were dismissed by some sources due to the submarine being based on a Double hull design{{Cite news |last=Bedi |first=Rahul |date=2021-12-30 |title=India Quietly Launches Third Arihant-Class Nuclear-Powered Submarine: Report |url=https://thewire.in/security/india-quietly-launches-its-third-arihant-class-nuclear-powered-submarine-report |work=The Wire |quote="It also features a double hull"}} as well as claims that it does not have a hatch to the propulsion compartment. Although the Indian Ministry for Defence refused to deny the allegations, claiming it would be a breach of national security to speak on the matter.{{cite news | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/deep-diving-into-the-facts-about-ins-arihant-accident/articleshow/62468708.cms | title=Deep diving into the facts about INS Arihant 'accident' | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=12 January 2018 }}{{cite news | url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/is-ins-arihant-damaged-cant-divulge-information-in-national-interest-says-government-1695833.html | title=Is INS Arihant Damaged? Can't Divulge Information in National Interest, Says Government | newspaper=News18 | date=21 March 2018 }}

= First deterrence patrol =

It was announced on 5 November 2018 that INS Arihant had completed its first 20-day long deterrent patrol the previous day.{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Huma |title=INS Arihant: India's first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine completes Nuclear Triad; PM Modi hails crew; top things to know |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/ins-arihant-indias-first-indigenous-nuclear-powered-submarine-completes-nuclear-triad-pm-modi-hails-crew-top-things-to-know/1373492/ |work=The Financial Express |date=5 November 2018 |access-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105202743/https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/ins-arihant-indias-first-indigenous-nuclear-powered-submarine-completes-nuclear-triad-pm-modi-hails-crew-top-things-to-know/1373492/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ins-arihant-returned-yesterday-from-20-day-deterrent-patrol-1383188-2018-11-05|title=INS Arihant returned yesterday from 20-day deterrent patrol|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=5 November 2018|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-10-13}} PM Narendra Modi congratulated the crew of Arihant after the patrol.{{Cite web|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1551894|title=Prime Minister felicitates crew of INS Arihant on completion of Nuclear Triad|date=5 November 2018|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|access-date=2019-09-17}}

= User training launch =

To prove crew competency and validate the SSBN programme, INS Arihant on 14 October 2022 successfully launched an SLBM with a predetermined range and hit the target area in the Bay of Bengal with high accuracy.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-14 |title=INS Arihant carries out successful launch of submarine launched ballistic missile |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ins-arihant-successful-launch-of-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-8208825/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} As per a defence source quoted by The Hindu, the missile launched was not the K-4 SLBM but the older K-15 SLBM. At present INS Arihant is armed with K-15 Sagarika SLBM, which possess a range of 750 km.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-10-14 |title=INS Arihant launches Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-arihant-launches-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile/article66010395.ece |access-date=2022-10-14 |issn=0971-751X}}

See also

References

{{reflist|30em}}