India Quietly Launches 4th Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine Countering Chinese Navy

Visakhapatnam, India – In a move aimed at strengning its nuclear deterrence against regional versaries, India quietly launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), codenamed S4*, at Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam this week. This significant milestone in India's strategic naval capabilities came amid rising diplomatic tensions with Cana but was carried out without fanfare, reflecting country's discreet approach to its nuclear submarine program.  

launch of S4* SSBN on October 16, 2024, is latest dition to India’s growing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, which are vital to maintaining a credible second-strike capability. SSBN fleet is integral to India’s nuclear deterrence strategy, particularly in Indo-Pacific, where versaries like China and Pakistan are seen as strategic threats.  

This development follows commissioning of India’s second SSBN, INS Arighat, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 29, 2024, and comes ahe of scheduled commissioning of third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, in 2025. se submarines, with ir ability to remain submerged for extended periods, are key assets in providing an assured retaliatory strike capability, which is critical for nuclear deterrence.  

Modi Government’s Focus on Nuclear Deterrence  

While Modi government has maintained a tight-lipped stance on nuclear deterrence matters, launch of S4* underscores India's commitment to bolstering its sea-based nuclear capabilities. launch took place just a day after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Very Low-Frequency Naval Station in Damagundam forest area of Vikarab district in Telangana. This station enhances command, control, and communication with Indian Navy's strategic assets, reinforcing India's maritime strategic architecture.

S4* SSBN boasts nearly 75% indigenous content and is equipped with 3,500 km range K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles, which can be launched through vertical launching systems. Unlike India’s first SSBN, INS Arihant, which carries 750 km range K-15 missiles, newer submarines have been significantly upgred to carry only K-4 ballistic missiles, enhancing India’s strike range and operational flexibility. With unlimited range and endurance, SSBN’s constraints are limited only by factors like food supplies, crew fatigue, and maintenance requirements.  

A Growing Submarine Fleet  

India’s SSBN program follows a strategic lineage. first nuclear-powered attack submarine India leased from Russia, INS Chakra, was classified as S1, with subsequent SSBNs—INS Arihant (S2), INS Arighat (S3), and INS Aridhaman (S4)—following this convention. newly launched S4* represents last of its class, with its formal name yet to be given.

India’s next class of SSBNs will feature significantly larger submarines, double 6,000-ton displacement of Arihant class, capable of carrying nuclear missiles with ranges upwards of 5,000 kilometres. se vancements highlight India’s focus on improving its sea-based deterrent against powerful versaries such as China, particularly as aircraft carriers remain vulnerable to China’s long-range missiles, like Dong Feng-21 and Dong Feng-26. government has refore prioritized development of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines over construction of a third aircraft carrier for Indian Navy.  

In dition to nuclear submarine program, India is also strengning its conventional submarine deterrence. sixth of diesel-powered Kalvari class submarines, INS Vaghsheer, is set to be commissioned in December 2024, ding anor layer to India's maritime defences. Plans for constructing three more vanced diesel attack submarines at Mazagon Dockyards in collaboration with French Naval Group are also in progress. se submarines are expected to furr enhance India's maritime capabilities in coming years.  

Countering Growing PLA Naval Presence  

India’s push to develop its strategic and conventional submarine fleet comes in response to an increasing presence of PLA warships in Indian Ocean. Since 2023, Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has maintained a near-constant deployment of 10-11 warships in Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a trend that is expected to intensify with carrier-based long-range patrols in 2025-26.

Indian Navy’s strategic submarines will play a pivotal role in defending India’s maritime interests and in countering China’s growing naval footprint in region.  quiet launch of S4* SSBN underscores India’s determination to fortify its sea-based nuclear deterrent amid increasing strategic challenges in Indo-Pacific. With a growing fleet of nuclear-powered and conventional submarines, India is positioning itself to defend its national security interests and maintain dominance in IOR.