China's neighbor to roll out 7,000-ton nuclear ballistic missile sub

The Indian Navy is set to commission its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman (S4), by mid-2026. This 7,000-ton vessel is the largest in the Arihant-class program and features significant upgrades over its predecessors, INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel program with about 75% indigenous content, INS Aridhaman has a lengthened hull (426 feet) to accommodate a heavier missile payload, including up to 24 short-range K-15 missiles, eight intermediate-range K-4 missiles, and is designed to carry longer-range K-5 missiles capable of striking targets up to 6,000 kilometers away. It also doubles the vertical launch system tubes from earlier models, enhancing its strike capabilities. The submarine is powered by an advanced, quieter 83-megawatt compact light water reactor (CLWR-B1) designed specifically for the Arihant-class, improving stealth through reduced