India Gets Another Nuclear Giant

India is accelerating the construction of its next-generation S-5 nuclear-powered submarine to significantly enhance the Indian Navy's strategic maritime capabilities. The 13,500-tonne submarine will be equipped with a 190 MW compact light-water nuclear reactor and K-6 intercontinental ballistic missiles with a strike range exceeding 8,000 kilometres. Developed under the S-5 project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam and the secret INS Varsha naval base near Rambilli, the programme is estimated to cost around ₹10,000 crore.

Building on the success of INS Arihant, Arighaat and the S-4 class submarines, the S-5 is being developed entirely with indigenous technology by DRDO, BARC and the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme. Once commissioned, the submarine is expected to substantially strengthen India's nuclear deterrence and maritime security, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, while enhancing the Navy's ability to counter strategic challenges and safeguard national interests.