Priyanka Tiwari
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India is preparing to launch a nuclear submarine base at Rambilli, a coastal village in Andhra Pradesh, according to a Times of India report. Located around 50 kilometers south of the Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam, this facility is expected to significantly enhance India's naval presence in the Bay of Bengal.
Strategic Significance and Satellite Evasion Capabilities
The new base is being developed under Project Varsha, aimed at bolstering India's submarine support infrastructure. A key feature of the Rambilli base is its design, which allows nuclear submarines to enter the Bay of Bengal with minimal detection by satellites. The inner harbor is reportedly fully operational, and the first phase of the project is nearly complete.
INS Aridhaman Set for Commissioning
This year is critical for India's naval defense strategy as INS Aridhaman, the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, is expected to be commissioned. Once active, INS Aridhaman will significantly reinforce India's nuclear triad, enabling second-strike capabilities and enhancing deterrence.
Project Seabird Developments at Karwar
In a related move, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated new facilities worth over ₹2,000 crore under Project Seabird at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. This signals a broader expansion of India’s naval infrastructure across both coasts.
