India’s first nuclear missile submarine, the INS Arihant, faced an unexpected hiatus of ten months due to human error—an open hatch that allowed seawater to flood its propulsion compartment. This grievous mishap called for extensive repairs estimated at a staggering $2.9 billion, a figure that encompasses not only the cost of the submarine but also the investment in restoring it to operational status.
According to The Hindu, “a hatch was left open on the rear left side of the ship, allowing seawater to rush into the propulsion area while the Arihant was in harbor.” This report indicated that the water had to be pumped out and the pipes carrying pressurized water coolant to the nuclear reactor were replaced due to the corrosive nature of the seawater. This was a necessary measure considering that compromised pipes could pose a severe risk to the crew and the submarine’s crucial systems, including its nuclear weapons.
The INS Arihant is at the heart of India’s strategic naval capabilities. It was constructed as part of a substantial investment in submarine technology, and its importance is underscored by its role in India’s nuclear triad. The modified Russian Akula-1 class submarine was lengthened to accommodate a variety of nuclear missiles, including the K-15 with a range of 434 miles targeting Pakistan, and the K-4 with a 2,174-mile range capable of reaching Beijing.
India’s naval strategy is geared towards Continuous Sea Deterrence, necessitating at least one nuclear-missile armed submarine in the water at all times. It’s a system employed by several countries, including the United States, designed to ensure a portion of the country’s nuclear arsenal is invulnerable to a first-strike attack.
The impact of the INS Arihant being out of commission raised concerns about the vulnerability of India’s defense posture, particularly against its neighboring Pakistan and other nuclear powers. The vessel’s absence during the Doklam standoff drew significant attention and further accentuated the critical nature of India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence.
While the incident with INS Arihant may raise questions about operational security and the management of India’s strategic assets, it is also reflective of the challenges faced by even the most advanced navies. The sophisticated systems on modern submarines are safeguarded by multiple redundancies and safety protocols, but the human element remains a variable that can lead to unforeseen consequences.
Despite the technical and operational complexities outlined in subsequent reports that questioned the initial account of events, the core issue remained: the INS Arihant was indisposed for nearly a year, a significant gap in India’s maritime nuclear deterrence.
As India continues to expand its SSBN fleet, with plans for at least five Arihant class vessels, the lessons learned from this incident will be crucial for future operations. The country’s commitment to a credible second-strike capability and the security of the region necessitates stringent operational discipline to prevent any recurrence of such lapses.
Relevant articles:
– Someone Left a Hatch Open and Crippled India’s $2.9 Billion Submarine, Popular Mechanics, Jan 8, 2018
– Deep diving into the facts about INS Arihant ‘accident’, The Economic Times, Jan 12, 2018
– India $2.9 Billion Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Flooded and Almost Sank After Someone Left the Hatch Open, Newsweek, Jan 12, 2018
– India’s first nuclear missile submarine crippled as sailor leaves hatch open, UK Defence Journal, Jan 10, 2017