India quietly launches fourth nuclear missile submarine amid rising maritime focus.

According to information published by Hindustan Times on October 22, 2024, India has launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), codenamed S4*.
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Artist rendering of the Arihant-class submarine S4*. (Picture source: Generated by AI)

The launch, which occurred on October 16 at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, was conducted quietly amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions with Canada. The event came just a day after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Very Low Frequency Naval Station in Telangana, aimed at enhancing command and communications with the Navy's strategic assets.

The S4* SSBN is an advanced model in India's Arihant-class submarines, with nearly 75% indigenous content. Equipped with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles, the submarine significantly enhances India’s strike capability, boasting a range of 3,500 kilometers. This places it well above the earlier INS Arihant, which carries shorter-range K-15 missiles. The S4* is the last of the current class, following the earlier vessels INS Arihant, INS Arighat, and the soon-to-be-commissioned INS Aridhaman.

India’s focus on strengthening its SSBN fleet underscores its strategic shift towards undersea nuclear deterrence. Given the vulnerability of surface assets like aircraft carriers to long-range missile systems, particularly those fielded by China’s PLA Navy, nuclear-powered submarines provide a critical edge. The Cabinet Committee on Security recently cleared plans to develop two more nuclear attack submarines.

India’s investment in both nuclear and conventional submarine capabilities is poised to play a pivotal role in securing its interests in the Indian Ocean Region. The commissioning of the sixth Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine, INS Vagsheer, later this year, further underscores this trend.

Technical data

The Arihant and Arighaat displace around 6,000 tons (5,900 long tons; 6,600 short tons) when surfaced, while the S4 and S4* displace approximately 7,000 tons (6,900 long tons; 7,700 short tons). These submarines also differ in length, with the Arihant and Arighaat measuring 111 meters (364 feet) long, and the S4 stretching to 130 meters (430 feet). All vessels share a beam of 11 meters (36 feet) and a draft of 15 meters (49 feet).

Their propulsion system is powered by a single CLWR-B1 pressurized water reactor, delivering 83 MW to a single shaft. This system allows the submarines to reach speeds of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) while surfaced, and up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged. The submarines have an unlimited range, restricted only by the need to replenish food supplies, and can dive to a test depth of 450 meters (1,480 feet). Each vessel typically operates with a complement of 95 personnel.