New Delhi. The strength of nuclear weapons is assessed not only by how many nuclear bombs a country has, but also by how many different means it can use. This ability is called Nuclear Triad. This includes the ability to launch nuclear attacks through all three mediums, land, sea and air.
The Nuclear Triad has three major parts. First, ground-deployed nuclear-capable missiles; Second, ballistic missiles launched from submarines and third, fighter planes or bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The presence of these three means strengthens the nuclear deterrent capability of a country.
The US and Russia have long had nuclear capabilities based on all three means. China has also expanded its land, sea and air nuclear capabilities. India has also developed nuclear triad. Therefore, caution is necessary when claiming that only four countries have this capability.
What is the situation in India?
India has made significant progress in strengthening its nuclear deterrent capability through all three means. Nuclear-capable ballistic missiles from land, air force aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and nuclear submarines that can launch nuclear-capable missiles from sea are important parts of its strategy.
India's indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant and its successor submarines such as Arighat have been important in the development of sea-based nuclear capability. The importance of submarines deployed in the sea is also because they can be difficult to detect, which maintains the ability to retaliate after a possible attack.
Why is the Nuclear Triad important?
The nuclear triad gives a country more options to retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack. Ground-based missiles, air-to-air aircraft, and submarines hidden in the sea together make up a diverse nuclear deterrent. However, this capability also comes with significant economic costs, technical challenges, and global risks associated with nuclear weapons.