- India continues to enhance its nuclear deterrence capabilities with the launch of its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), S4, marking a significant step in the development of Indigenous defence technology.
- Launch of S4: India launched its fourth SSBN, S4, at the Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam.
- S4 is more advanced and larger than INS Arihant, the first SSBN, with significant indigenous content.
- India has two operational SSBNs: INS Arihant (commissioned in 2016) and INS Arighaat (commissioned in August 2023).
- The third SSBN, Aridhman, is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned next year.
- INS Arihant is equipped with the K-15 SLBM (750 km range), while S4 will carry the more advanced K-4 SLBM with a 3,500 km range.
- The K-4 provides India with enhanced undersea nuclear deterrence, enabling nuclear weapon launches from Indian waters
| Special Task Force by Indian Navy: The Indian Navy has created two task forces, led by Rear Admirals, are focused on niche technologies like fuses, radars, quantum computing, electronic systems, and weapon technologies. These task forces work alongside the Navy’s Technology Development Accelerator Cell (TDAC) but target different areas for faster technology induction. TDAC will continue engaging with start-ups and MSMEs, while the task forces emphasize quicker technology integration. Swavlamban 2024, scheduled for October end, will showcase the Navy’s indigenization and innovation efforts. |
| MR-MOCR The DRDO handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy, a technology that reduces radar detection by creating a microwave shield around platforms. The technology, developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory, uses specialized fibres to obscure radar signals and form clouds in space to protect assets from radio frequency seekers. Successful trials showed a 90% reduction in radar cross-section. This development marks progress toward self-reliance in defence technology. |
Dig Deeper: Read about the Nuclear Submarine Program of India and the ‘Nuclear Triad’. (Refer to August Current Affairs Magazine for more)
