On Wednesday, the Indian Navy successfully conducted a test firing of the 3,500 km-range K-4 ballistic missile from its newly inducted nuclear submarine, INS Arighaat.
Defense sources indicate that this test is a significant step in validating India’s second-strike capability, which is crucial for its nuclear deterrence strategy. The Navy plans to conduct additional tests of the missile system in the coming months.
About INS Arighaat
INS Arighaat, which was commissioned in August at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, joins the INS Arihant as one of India’s nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles. A third submarine, currently under construction, is expected to be inducted into service next year.
Prior to the full-range test, the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a series of trials to test the missile’s performance from underwater platforms.
About K-4 Ballistic missile
The K-4 ballistic missile is an intermediate-range, submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy. Designed to provide second-strike capability within India’s nuclear triad, the K-4 is intended for launch from Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarines, offering enhanced stealth and survivability.
With a range of approximately 3,500 kilometers, the K-4 can strike deep into enemy territory. It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead weighing up to 2,000 kilograms, though typically, a lighter payload is used for strategic purposes.
Equipped with a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV), the missile can evade missile defense systems, enhancing its effectiveness. The K-4 utilizes a solid-fuel propulsion system, offering greater stability and easier storage compared to liquid-fueled alternatives.
For precise targeting, the K-4 integrates an advanced inertial navigation system (INS) with satellite guidance, along with ring laser gyroscopes that ensure high accuracy during flight.
Also Read: Hemant Soren Sworn in for Historic Fourth Term as Jharkhand Chief Minister
