Full Description
India's sea-based nuclear deterrent is entering a new phase, with the third Arihant-class SSBN, INS Aridhaman, due for commissioning and a fourth boat at an advanced stage of construction. Together, this expanding force is intended to form the ultimate guarantor of India's nuclear deterrence. The credibility and perceived invulnerability of these platforms are therefore sine qua non for deterrence stability.
Against this backdrop, the book examines the optimal deployment strategies India might adopt to enhance the survivability of its SSBNs. The principal strategy is open-ocean patrols, while an alternative approach is the bastion strategy, under which SSBNs operate within relatively secure home waters. Both strategies can be operationalised through continuous at-sea deterrence, with at least one submarine maintained on patrol at all times to strengthen the credibility of assured retaliation. Each approach carries distinct advantages and limitations. Accordingly, the book analyses the experiences of the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China with both bastion and open-ocean patrol concepts. Drawing on these comparative cases, it proposes policy options for India's "silent guardians," while remaining attentive to India's unique nuclear doctrine, threat environment, and geographic constraints.
This title has been co-published with Knowledge World Publishers. T&F does not sell or distribute the print versions in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri lanka.
Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Tables and Figures
Introduction
Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines Why are They Everyone's Favourite?
American Fleet Ballistic Missiles Versatile Beyond 'Assured Retaliation'
Hiding in Plain Sight Russian SSBNs in 'Bastion' Waters
United Kingdom Independent or Interdependent SSBN Power?
Force Océanique Stratégique (FOST) Doing Much More with Much Less
Dragon's Dilemma Bastion or Open Patrol Strategy
How Should India's Silent Guardian Sail? A Case for Six-Boomer CASD
Conclusion
Key Terms and Abbreviations
Index
