New Delhi, 28 November (HS). India has completed the successful test firing of nuclear missile K-4 from the nuclear submarine Arighat, which was inducted into the Navy. This test of Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) was conducted in the Bay of Bengal near Visakhapatnam. The test firing of the 3,500 km range nuclear capable missile K-4 from the recently commissioned INS Arighat represents a significant development of the Indian Navy’s deterrence capabilities.
Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighat was inducted into the Indian Navy on August 29. The Navy’s maritime strategic capability has been strengthened by the acquisition of submarines equipped with nuclear missiles amid China’s rapid advances in the Indian Ocean region. Also, India has got the capability to carry more missiles in ‘water war’. To test this power, India has successfully tested its nuclear capable K-4 submarine launched ballistic missile from the 6,000 tonne submarine Arighat.
Although there has been no official confirmation of the test, defense sources said on Thursday that the K-4 missile was launched as part of an exercise on Wednesday morning in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The solid fuel-powered K-4 missile has a range of 3,500 kilometers. Earlier the K-4 missile was tested only from a submersible pontoon, hence this launch from a fully operational submarine after joining the Navy has become an important milestone for India’s naval capabilities.
According to sources, the test results will be carefully analyzed to determine whether the missile met its parameters or not.
India had issued a Public Sector Alert and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the medium-range missile test in the Bay of Bengal. It was said in NOTAM that India can test the missile to hit the target at a distance of 3,500 kilometers or more between 27 and 30 November. A NOTAM is a type of notice issued to aircraft pilots on air missions to alert them to potential hazards along the flight path. The missile test was part of India’s broader effort to enhance its strategic defense posture.
INS Arighat is the second nuclear powered submarine in India’s fleet, which significantly strengthens the country’s nuclear deterrent capability. This submarine is capable of carrying nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, known as SSBNs in naval parlance. India’s first nuclear submarine Arihant is equipped with K-15 missiles with a range of 750 km. In contrast, INS Arighat can carry more advanced K-4 missiles with a strike range of 3,500 km.
