October 22, 2024: In a significant move to bolster its naval capabilities, India has launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), codenamed S4*, at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. This development comes during a period of heightened diplomatic tensions with Canada, underscoring India's commitment to strengthening its nuclear deterrence against potential adversaries.

The launch of S4* follows the recent commissioning of India's second SSBN, INS Arighaat, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 29, 2024. The third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, is slated for commissioning next year. The Indian government's focus on expanding its underwater capabilities was further solidified when the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved plans for the construction of two additional nuclear-powered attack submarines aimed at enhancing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

While the Modi administration has maintained a low profile regarding its nuclear strategy, the launch of S4* on October 16 was strategically timed, occurring just one day after Defence Minister Singh inaugurated a Very Low Frequency Naval Station in Telangana. This facility is intended to improve command, control, and communications for India's strategic naval assets.

The newly launched S4* is notable for its impressive 75% indigenous content and is armed with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles that boast a range of 3,500 kilometers. This advanced SSBN can fire its missiles from vertical launching systems, enhancing its operational flexibility. In contrast, the earlier INS Arihant is equipped with K-15 missiles, which have a shorter range of 750 kilometers. The S4* and its predecessors are designed to operate indefinitely at sea, limited only by crew fatigue, food supplies, and maintenance needs.

With both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat currently conducting deep-sea patrols, India's underwater strike capability is rapidly expanding. Additionally, a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine is expected to bolster India's naval forces further by 2028.

This latest development in India's defense strategy highlights the nation’s commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and ensuring maritime security in a complex geopolitical landscape.