Bhubaneshwar: In a major boost to its strategic capabilities, India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed K-4 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a homegrown submarine. This marks a significant milestone, positioning India among a select group of nations capable of launching nuclear weapons from underwater platforms.
The test, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) on Wednesday, saw the missile launched from INS Arighaat, a 6,000-tonne nuclear-powered submarine commissioned in August. The missile, named after former President APJ Abdul Kalam, boasts a range of over 3,500 km and demonstrated pinpoint accuracy, hitting its target in the Indian Ocean.
This success places India alongside the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK—nations with submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capabilities. Defence experts highlight the significance of this achievement, as submarine-based nuclear weapons offer enhanced survivability compared to land or air systems, reinforcing India’s ‘no first use’ policy and credible deterrence posture.
“The missile’s stealth launch and advanced precision make it a formidable asset in ensuring regional security,” a defence source noted.
The solid-fueled K-4 missile features boost-glide technology, making it difficult to detect and capable of bypassing anti-ballistic missile defenses. Its inertial navigation system, updated via satellite, ensures high accuracy and lethality.
- Range: 3,500 km
- Length: 10 meters
- Weight: 20 tonnes
- Warhead Capacity: Up to 2.5 tonnes
With this successful test, India now advances to developing the K-5 missile, projected to have a range exceeding 5,000 km.
This achievement enhances India’s defense readiness in the Indo-Pacific and underscores its commitment to strategic deterrence.
