India's 5th S-4 Class SSBN with K-5 SLBM Missiles Reaches 50% Completion, Marking a Milestone in Naval Power

India's push to solidify its position as a global naval power is steadily advancing with the construction of the fifth S-4 class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). This submarine, which is being built at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, is a part of India's ambitious plan to enhance its strategic deterrence capabilities. The S-4 class submarines represent a significant upgrade over their predecessors, the Arihant class, with improved design and enhanced missile capabilities.

The Indian Navy's SSBN fleet currently includes the INS Arihant and INS Arighat, both of which play a critical role in the country's nuclear triad. These submarines, with a submerged displacement of around 6,000 tons, are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to carry and launch nuclear missiles from underwater, providing India with a secure second-strike capability.

The S-4 class submarines, including the newly developed S4 and the upcoming S4* (Star), are designed with a stretched hull and have a submerged displacement of approximately 7,000 tons. This design evolution not only allows for greater operational range and endurance but also provides the capability to carry more advanced weaponry. Satellite imagery has confirmed that the S4 and S4* submarines have already been moved to the outdoor fitment area at SBC, indicating significant progress in their construction.

The fifth S-4 class SSBN, whose construction has now surpassed the 50% mark, is expected to be a crucial addition to India's strategic arsenal. The completion of this submarine will bring the total number of SSBNs in the Indian Navy to five, significantly enhancing the country's nuclear deterrence. The construction of this fifth SSBN, like its predecessors, is being closely monitored, and it is expected that the submarine will move from the dry docks to the outdoor fitment area in the next couple of years, followed by rigorous sea trials.

What sets the S-4 class apart from earlier SSBNs is its armament. These submarines are the first in India to be equipped with the K-5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The K-5 SLBMs have a formidable range of 5,000 kilometers, allowing them to reach targets across vast distances. This capability significantly enhances India's ability to deliver a credible nuclear response, even in the event of a first strike. The K-5 missiles are a critical component of India's strategic deterrence, ensuring that the country can maintain a secure and effective second-strike capability.

As India continues to build its SSBN fleet, the Navy is also looking ahead to the development of the S5 class of submarines. These next-generation SSBNs are expected to have a submerged displacement of around 13,000 tons, nearly double that of the S-4 class. The S5 class submarines will be equipped with even more advanced missiles, including the K-6 SLBMs with a range exceeding 6,000 kilometers and the highly classified K-8 missiles. The first S5 submarine is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy by the mid-2030s, marking the next major leap in India's undersea nuclear deterrence capabilities.

The ongoing development of the S-4 class and the future S5 class submarines underscores India's commitment to maintaining a robust and credible nuclear deterrent. As the fifth S-4 class SSBN moves closer to completion, it is clear that India is steadily advancing towards achieving its strategic goals, ensuring that its naval forces remain capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.