INS Arihant: A Costly Submarine Mishap
India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, faced a significant setback in 2017 when seawater flooded its propulsion compartment due to a crew member leaving a hatch open. This incident resulted in extensive repairs that kept the submarine out of service for nearly ten months, a gap that was notably felt during India’s tense standoff with China at Doklam. The mishap has raised questions about operational protocols and the submarine’s design, sparking a debate over the existence of hatches in critical areas.
A $3 Billion Submarine, Seawater, and 10 Months Lost: The INS Arihant Blunder
The INS Arihant, a cornerstone of India’s naval defense, suffered a major incident in 2017 when a crew member inadvertently left a hatch open while the submarine was docked. This oversight allowed seawater to flood the propulsion compartment, leading to significant damage and a lengthy repair process. The submarine, which cost approximately $3 billion, was rendered inoperable for nearly a year as extensive repairs were undertaken.
The phrase “batten down the hatches” has historical roots in maritime safety, emphasizing the importance of securing a vessel against potential threats. Unfortunately, this incident highlights a critical lapse in protocol, as the submarine’s crew failed to secure the hatch, allowing seawater to infiltrate a vital area. The flooding caused extensive damage to the submarine’s pipes, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of its nuclear reactor. Given the corrosive nature of seawater, all affected pipes had to be replaced to ensure the submarine’s safety and operational reliability.
This incident not only caused embarrassment for the Indian Navy but also raised serious concerns about the submarine’s readiness during a period of heightened tensions with China. The government did not publicly acknowledge the repairs until 2018, further complicating the narrative surrounding the mishap.
Lengthy Repairs Were Felt During Standoff With China
The 6,000-ton INS Arihant was out of commission for approximately ten months, a duration that coincided with India’s standoff with China during the Doklam border crisis in 2017. The absence of the submarine was acutely felt, as it plays a critical role in India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent strategy. The incident not only highlighted operational vulnerabilities but also raised questions about the submarine’s design and safety protocols.
In the aftermath of the flooding, a controversy emerged regarding the existence of hatches in the propulsion compartment. Reports indicated that the submarine, modeled after a Russian design, lacked external hatches in this area, leading to speculation about how seawater could have entered. Analysts pointed out that modern submarines are equipped with various sensors and warning systems, making it difficult to believe that such an oversight could occur without detection.
The Indian government has remained tight-lipped about the incident, citing national security concerns. However, the implications of this blunder extend beyond embarrassment; they underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols in the operation of critical defense assets. The INS Arihant remains vital to India’s nuclear triad, providing a reliable second-strike capability that enhances the country’s strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.
