New Delhi: India has made its latest nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, more capable than its predecessor, INS Arihant, by fitting it with longer-range missiles and adding a high level of indigenous content in it.

The INS Arihant is the first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine made by India, commissioned in 2018, while the INS Arighat is the second SSBN, commissioned last week into the Navy by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The INS Arighat has been fitted with missiles that can hit targets at a range of over 3,500 kms and will be a strong deterrent for the country, sources told ANI.

Meanwhile, INS Arihant is fitted with missiles that can hit targets at around 750 Km, they said.

The nuclear submarine fleet will receive a major boost, with the third boat also planned to be commissioned in the early part of the next year, they said. The second Arihant-Class submarine 'INS Arighat' was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024, at Visakhapatnam.

Earlier, the Defence Minister stated that the nuclear-powered submarine is a matter of pride for the nation while describing it as an achievement for the nation in line with the 'Aatmanirbharta' initiative of the government.

The construction of INS Arighat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research & development, utilisation of special materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship.

It has the distinction of having indigenous systems and equipment that were conceptualised, designed, manufactured & integrated by Indian scientists, industry and Naval personnel.

The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on this submarine make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor, Arihant. The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighat will enhance India's capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests.

(With Inputs From Agencies)