Indian Navy Launches First Nuclear Submarine

The Indian Navy has launched the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, for sea trials at the Matsya naval dockyard in Vishakapatnam.

The 6,000t nuclear submarine is equipped with torpedoes and missiles including 12 ballistic missiles. It is powered by an 85MW capacity nuclear reactor and can acquire surface speeds of 12-15kt and submerged speeds up to 24kt carrying a crew of 95.

The Indian Government has ordered four more nuclear-powered submarine of the same class which would add to the navy’s underwater combat potential.