**OVERVIEW:** The S 2 Arihant is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Arihant class, operated by the Indian Navy.

**DETAILS:**
The Arihant class represents India's first indigenously designed and built nuclear-powered submarine. Its development was a closely guarded secret, originating from the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project initiated in the 1980s. The primary impetus for the Arihant program was to establish a credible and survivable nuclear deterrent, forming the third leg of India's nuclear triad. The design draws heavily upon Russian (formerly Soviet) submarine technology, particularly in reactor and hull design. Significant assistance was reportedly provided by Russia during the development phase. While the exact details of the reactor remain classified, it is believed to be a pressurized water reactor (PWR) providing sufficient power for sustained underwater operations. The Arihant's construction was undertaken at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. The overall program underscores India's strategic ambitions and its commitment to self-reliance in defense production.

The S 2 Arihant's primary role is to serve as a nuclear deterrent platform, carrying nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles for second-strike capability. While details regarding the missile type carried within the Arihant VLS are classified, it is widely believed to be the K-15 Sagarika or its derivatives. In addition to its strategic role, the submarine is equipped with torpedoes for self-defense against anti-submarine warfare (ASW) threats. The vessel’s sonar suite provides situational awareness for navigation and target detection. The Arihant-class is not primarily designed for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) or anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) roles, though it possesses limited self-defense capabilities in these areas.

The sensor suite of the S 2 Arihant is focused on underwater detection and navigation. The Shark Rib [MGK-540 Skat-3], Shark Tail [MG-541 Skat-3], and Shark Gill [MGK-540 Skat-3] sonars likely comprise a comprehensive active and passive sonar system for long-range detection of surface and subsurface contacts. The Porpoise sonar is probably a dedicated navigation sonar, while the Snoop Pair [MRKP-59] radar provides limited surface search capabilities. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] sonar system is likely a specialized counter-detection sonar designed to identify and analyze active sonar emissions from enemy platforms. The inclusion of both standard and LLTV-equipped submarine periscopes indicates capabilities for visual surveillance both during daylight and low-light conditions. The acoustic intercept sensor further enhances the vessel's ability to detect and classify threats based on their acoustic signatures. The two 533mm torpedo tubes provide a self-defense capability against enemy submarines and surface combatants.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 111.0 m || Beam: 11.0 m || Draft: 15.0 m || Disp: 6000 t

**SENSORS:** Shark Rib [MGK-540 Skat-3] || Shark Tail [MG-541 Skat-3] || Shark Gill [MGK-540 Skat-3] || Porpoise || Snoop Pair [MRKP-59] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

**ARMAMENT:** Signal Ejector || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || Arihant VLS