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India's pursuit of a robust sea-based nuclear deterrent has taken another step forward with the launch of the S4 submarine, the third vessel in the Arihant-class SSBN series. The recent satellite imagery revealing S4 in an advanced stage of construction underscores India's commitment to bolstering its strategic capabilities.

Analysts examining the images have noted significant upgrades in S4 compared to its predecessors, S2 and S3. These advancements, coupled with the planned total of four Arihant-class submarines, solidify India's position in the realm of sea-based deterrence. The country's strategic vision is further underscored by the substantial investments in command and control systems, encompassing long-range communication infrastructure, fortified bases, and requisite support vessels.

The launch of S4, which occurred quietly in Visakhapatnam toward the end of November 2022, marks a milestone in India's pursuit of a nuclear triad. While official confirmation regarding its armament remains pending, sources within the navy and Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam suggest that S4 may be configured to accommodate either 24 K-15 missiles with a range of 1,000 km or 8 K-4 missiles with a range of 3,500 km.

Responsibility for the construction, commissioning, and testing of SSBNs rests squarely with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) or the Strategic Nuclear Command (SNC), overseen by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). While the launch of S4 is a significant milestone, it's crucial to recognize that it marks only the initial step in a lengthy process that includes sea trials, weapon testing, and eventual commissioning.

The genesis of India's SSBN program dates back to the launch of INS Arihant (S2) in 2009, signifying a concerted effort to enhance national security capabilities. As S4 joins its predecessors in the fleet, India moves closer to achieving a formidable nuclear triad, aligning with established nuclear warfare doctrine.

In conclusion, the launch of S4 underscores India's steadfast commitment to bolstering its strategic deterrent capabilities through the development of advanced SSBNs. As the country progresses towards completing its fleet of Arihant-class submarines, it solidifies its position as a key player in the realm of maritime security and nuclear deterrence.