New Delhi: In a boost to India’s maritime strength in the wake of the rapid development of the PLA Navy of China, India has reportedly conducted a successful test of its nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the recently commissioned nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat.
The test, which took place off the coast of Visakhapatnam, was conducted in the Bay of Bengal. The K-4 missile, which is solid-fuelled and has a strike range of 3,500 km, was launched from the 6,000-tonne submarine.
Though it has not been officially confirmed, but, sources in the know said that the K-4 missile was launched as part of the exercise and was tested for the first time from INS Arighaat, which was commissioned into service on August 29.
Previously, the K-4 missile had only been tested from submersible pontoons, making this launch from a fully operational submarine a key milestone for India’s naval capabilities.
According to media reports, it was said that the test results would be carefully analysed to determine whether the missile met its intended parameters. The missile test came after India issued a public area warning and notice to airmen (NOTAM) for an intermediate-range missile test in the Bay of Bengal, which was scheduled between November 27 and 30. This missile test was part of India’s broader effort to enhance its strategic defence posture.
INS Arighaat, which is the second nuclear-powered submarine in India’s fleet, significantly strengthens the country’s nuclear deterrence. The submarine is equipped to carry nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, known as SSBNs in naval parlance. Unlike India’s first SSBN, INS Arihant, which is armed with K-15 missiles with a range of 750 km, INS Arighaat can carry the more advanced K-4 missiles with a strike range of 3,500 km.
The commissioning of INS Arighaat marks a substantial upgrade in India’s naval nuclear capabilities, as it provides the country with the ability to launch missiles from a nuclear-powered submarine positioned underwater, enhancing the survivability and effectiveness of its strategic deterrence.
The K-4 missile test from INS Arighaat is also indicative of India’s ongoing expansion of its nuclear submarine fleet. The country is preparing to induct its third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, which is set to join the fleet in early 2025. The 7,000-tonne INS Aridhaman will further strengthen India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence.
In addition to providing a more advanced strike range, the new submarines allow India to maintain a continuous at-sea deterrence, a critical element of a credible nuclear deterrent. As the country continues to modernise its strategic forces, it is expected that the deployment of these advanced submarines will play a key role in bolstering India’s defence capabilities against emerging regional security threats.
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