In News:

India is set to operationalise INS Varsha, its first dedicated base for nuclear-powered submarines, by 2026. Located near Rambilli, about 50 km south of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, this high-security facility is part of the classified Project Varsha, aimed at strengthening India’s maritime and nuclear deterrence capabilities in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Key Features:

• Strategic Location: Near deep waters of the Bay of Bengal, facilitating stealthy submarine movement and minimizing detection.
• Infrastructure:
  • Underground pens and tunnel systems to conceal and protect nuclear submarines.
  • Inner and outer harbour facilities; inner harbour completed, work ongoing on breakwaters and jetties.
  • 20 sq. km area, capacity to house at least 10–12 nuclear submarines.
• Stealth Capabilities: Similar to China’s Hainan base, it offers satellite-evasion advantages, crucial for the survivability of SSBNs (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines).
• Support Facilities: Proximity to BARC Atchutapuram for nuclear infrastructure, enabling swift integration and maintenance of strategic assets.
• Geopolitical Role: Counters Chinese dual-use naval infrastructure at Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and BNS Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh).

Strategic Significance:

• Enhances second-strike capability, vital for nuclear deterrence under India's nuclear triad.
• Enables undetected deterrent patrols by SSBNs, ensuring survivability in case of counterforce attacks.
• Facilitates rapid access to key chokepoints, especially the Strait of Malacca.

India’s Expanding Nuclear Submarine Fleet

INS Aridhaman – Third SSBN:

• Scheduled for commissioning in 2025.
• 7,000-tonne displacement, more capable than predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighat.
• Equipped with K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 3,500 km.
• Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project by Shipbuilding Centre, Visakhapatnam, with BARC and DRDO support.
• Designed for long-duration deterrent patrols in deep sea.

Future Developments:

• India launched its fourth SSBN in November 2024, with ~75% indigenous content.
• Plans underway for even larger SSBNs and the construction of six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), starting with two approved 9,800-tonne SSNs for conventional strike and escort roles.

Related Naval Expansion – Project Seabird (Karwar Base):

• Located on the western coast, expanding to accommodate 50 warships and submarines, plus 40 auxiliary vessels.
• Will include a dual-use air station, new dockyard, and multiple dry berths.