INS Arihant creates history; here are other active Indian submarines

INS Arihant, India's first indigenous nuclear submarine, has successfully completed its first deterrence patrol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. Modi said the underwater war boat is a "fitting response" to those who indulge in "nuclear blackmail". 

"India's pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history," Modi said in a series of tweets.

Dhanteras gets even more special!

India’s pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol!

I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history. pic.twitter.com/tjeOj2cBdX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2018

It is seen as a significant development for the Indian defence as the prime minister said the INS Arihant will help in protecting the country from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region.

"In an era such as this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. The success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail," he tweeted.

According to NDTV, the 6,000-tonne INS Arihant, under development for three decades under a highly classified programme, comes under the direct control of the Nuclear Command Authority headed by PM Modi. 

Here are other active Indian submarines

INS Kalvari Class

INS Kalvari is the first of the six Scorpene class submarines built under Project 75. The submarine was commissioned on December 14, 2017.Chakra ClassINS Chakra is an 8,140-tonne Akula class, nuclear-powered submarine..The submarine was commissioned on April 4, 2012.

Huge boost for 'Make in India: Narendra Modi to commission Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvarihttps://t.co/eL6YcqaisT

via NMApp pic.twitter.com/EonurpVQZR

— Dr. Mahesh Sharma (@dr_maheshsharma) December 14, 2017

Sindhughosh Class

Sindhughosh class submarines are the Kilo class diesel-electric submarines. They are designated 877EKM, and were built under a contract between Rosvooruzhenie and the Ministry of Defence (India).

#Submarines50 INS Sindhughosh
First of the class pic.twitter.com/Wi6WerYrFX

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 18, 2017

The submarines have a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, a maximum diving depth of 300 meters, top speed of 18 knots, and are able to operate solo for 45 days with a crew of 53.

INS Shishumar Class

The Shishumar class vessels (Type 1500) are diesel-electric submarines. These submarines are developed by the German yard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW). The first two of these vessels were built by HDW at Kiel, while the remainder have been built at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) Mumbai.

#BridgesofFriendship INS Shishumar (SSK class sub) of IN enters Port of Duqm Oman for an Operational Turn Around. @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/5woKuJvCWe

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 19, 2017

The ships were commissioned between 1986 and 1994. These submarines have a displacement of 1660 tons when surfaced, a speed of 22 knots (41 km/h), and a complement of 40 including eight officers. The submarines have the provision of an IKL-designed escape system.

(With inputs from Indian Navy website)