The Indian Navy successfully tested the K-4 ballistic missile on Thursday from the nuclear submarine INS Arighaat.
The missile, with a range of 3,500 km, was launched in the Bay of Bengal. The trial enhances India’s nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability.
Defence sources said test data is under review, with briefings planned for military and political leaders. The trial bolsters India’s nuclear triad, ensuring retaliatory capacity during a nuclear conflict.
K-4 Ballistic Missile
The K-4, developed by DRDO, is an underwater-launched missile. Extensive trials ensured it met strict operational standards.
INS Arighaat
Commissioned in August 2024, INS Arighaat was built at Vishakhapatnam’s Ship Building Centre. It features advanced technology, surpassing its predecessor INS Arihant. The successful test boosts its operational readiness.
INS Arighaat is equipped with K-4 missiles capable of striking targets over 3,500 km away. This range far exceeds the 750 km range of the K-15 missiles on INS Arihant. The upgrade strengthens India’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, enhancing strategic defense flexibility and power.
India’s Nuclear Submarine Fleet
India’s nuclear submarine fleet includes INS Arihant, the country’s first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, commissioned in 2018. A third vessel in this class will join the Navy next year, further boosting deterrence capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while commissioning INS Arighaat, praised it as a symbol of India’s technological excellence and the government’s ‘Aatmanirbharta’ initiative.
