![]() ![]() However, should the dimensions of this new missile call for a larger hull, the resultant size and displacement of the vessel will demand a unique design and a more powerful nuclear reactor for propulsion - challenges that are being tackled by our scientists and designers. While land-based missiles such as the Agni V and VI, with ranges above 5,500 and 8,000 km, respectively, are reportedly under development, the challenge for our scientists is to design powerful but compact rocket motors so that a battery of 12-16 missiles can fit within the hull of INS Arihant class of SSBN. The missile, last reported as being carried by INS Arihant, was the K-15, whose range falls below 1,000 km. Therefore, to threaten counter-value or counter-force targets deep inside China or Pakistan from a safe “bastion,” India needs a submarine-launched ballistic missile of “inter-continental range,” ie, over 6,000 km. It appears likely that India’s SSBNs will operate from sanctuaries or “bastions” in the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal, where they can remain under the protective umbrella of our naval units.įrom the middle of the Bay of Bengal, Karachi is about 2,500 km, while Beijing and Shanghai are over 4,000 km. To this end, an SSBN is positioned in a safe patrol area that is remote from shipping traffic but within the missile range of its pre-designated targets. The role of an SSBN is to pose a nuclear threat from underwater to two types of adversary targets: Counter-value (population centres) and counter-force (military nodes). Moreover, the recent presence in the neighbourhood of Chinese satellite and space-tracking ship Yuan Wang-5 indicated its snooping intent. While withholding any indication of the missile’s actual capability may be a prudent security measure, it is more than likely that this test was closely monitored via technical means - by friends and foes - and the missile’s performance parameters were recorded. Reports about the recent test state that the missile was “tested to a predetermined range and impacted the target area in the Bay of Bengal, with very high accuracy”. ![]() For this reason, India has resolutely pursued, with former Soviet and now Russian help, the indigenous design and construction of a series of SSBNs. Given that land-based missiles (static and mobile) and air bases are exposed to enemy reconnaissance, and will be targets of pre-emptive attacks, the best way to invest the nuclear deterrent with immunity is to send it underwater on an SSBN. This calls for a deterrent capable of surviving a surprise nuclear attack and undertaking retaliation. India’s nuclear deterrent aims to “prevent a nuclear attack on Indian territory or Indian forces, anywhere,” and to threaten the attacker with “massive retaliation designed to inflict unacceptable damage.” As a nation committed to “no first use”, it is of critical importance that the adversary is never in doubt about the credibility of India’s nuclear deterrent. ![]()
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