The Indian Navy’s indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant will undergo an additional two years of test trials before being commissioned, according to Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma.

Verma said the navy, together with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was analysing the validation of new technology, preparing the submarine to be fully operational, and developing doctrines and procedures for the induction of Arihant, according to PTI.

“We are actively working on these issues and more to ensure that we have a credible deterrent in the form of the Arihant and follow-on submarines,” Verma said.

India will learn a lot by operating the Arihant as it provides valuable input for the indigenous nuclear submarine programme, he added.