India builds secret Varsha base for nuclear submarine fleet
India is actively working to create a new strategic base for nuclear submarines capable of carrying ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. The facility, called Varsha, is being built on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is expected to be commissioned in 2026.
Here's What We Know
The project has a high level of secrecy - most of the base's parameters are not disclosed. It is only known that a significant part of its infrastructure will be located underground, which will allow submarines to hide when they go to sea, avoiding detection by satellite reconnaissance or enemy aircraft.
Indian analysts view the Varsha base as a key element of the country's nuclear deterrence strategy, which will ensure the country's ability to retaliate in the event of an attack from Pakistan or China. The creation of such a facility strengthens the concept of "second strike", one of the main principles of India's nuclear doctrine.
Schematic representation of the Arihant submarine. Illustration: Navalnews
Varsha is likely to serve both existing Arihant nuclear submarines and future next-generation ballistic missile carriers. The Arihant submarines have a surface displacement of up to 6,000 tonnes, an underwater displacement of up to 10,000 tonnes, and a hull length of up to 110 metres. Advanced models are already being designed with an underwater displacement of up to 13,500 tonnes, which makes them comparable to the submarines of other leading nuclear weapon states.
The first two ships of the series, INS Arihant and INS Arighat, are armed with K-15 missiles with a range of up to 750 km. However, the third ship, INS Aridhaman, which is scheduled for 2025, will carry K-4 missiles with a range of up to 3,500 km.
Source: Army Recognition
