(Illustration for representation.)
New Delhi/Visakhapatnam: India successfully test-fired the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from its newly inducted nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat (also spelled as Arighat), on Wednesday, defence sources said. They also said the test was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command.
This event marks a significant advancement in India’s strategic military capabilities, particularly in enhancing its nuclear deterrence and validating its second-strike capability. The test-firing of the missile also represents the inaugural instance of the missile being launched directly from an actual submarine, in contrast to previous test firings which were exclusively conducted from a stationary submersible pontoon platform.
Although the Indian government has maintained silence on the matter and refrained from making any official statements, a Notam (notice to airmen, also called notice to air missions and notice to airmen and mariners) was issued prior to the test, instructing aircraft to avoid a specific 3490-kilometre airspace corridor. The K-4 missile is capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 3,500 kilometres, making it a critical component of India’s nuclear arsenal.
Officials have not yet disclosed or confirmed whether the deployed missiles successfully met all the required operational parameters.
According to the sources, the test firing was conducted from INS Arighaat, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy just three months ago, in August 2024. This submarine is the second in the Arihant-class and is considered significantly more advanced than its predecessor, INS Arihant.
Both submarines are powered by pressurized light-water nuclear reactors that enable them to remain submerged for extended periods, enhancing their operational capabilities compared to conventional submarines.
With this achievement, India joins the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France in possessing credible submarine-launched missile systems and elevates New Delhi’s stature in the global strategic framework. However, it also adds a layer of complexity to South Asia’s already volatile security dynamics.
K-4 missile
During the test, the K-4 missile successfully completed its flight trajectory of around 3,500 kilometres before impacting in a designated area in the Indian Ocean. The missile’s performance is currently under analysis by military officials, who will report back to the country’s top military and political leadership regarding its effectiveness and any areas for improvement.
The K-4 missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and represents a significant technological leap over earlier systems. With an operational range of 3,500 kilometres, it is designed to carry a payload of approximately one tonne and is capable of performing three-dimensional manoeuvres to evade missile-defence systems.
The successful test was particularly noteworthy as it was the first full-range test of the K-4 from a submarine platform, following previous unsuccessful attempts due to technical issues.
It may be noted that in December 2019, India tested this missile to validate its capabilities as part of India’s strategic deterrent, specifically from a submerged platform. However, scientists faced significant challenges during the test of the SLBM, which ultimately resulted in a failure. This incident was a major turning point in the development timeline of the K-4 missile, which highlighted several technical and operational challenges that needed to be addressed.
Future implications
The successful test of the K-4 missile from INS Arighaat not only bolsters India’s strategic deterrence posture but also positions India among an elite group of nations with advanced submarine-launched ballistic missile capabilities. The Navy plans to conduct additional tests of this missile system to further validate its operational readiness and effectiveness.
Moreover, with plans for a third Arihant-class submarine expected to be inducted into service next year, India’s underwater nuclear capabilities are set to expand further. This development is crucial given the evolving security dynamics in the region, particularly concerning China and Pakistan.
The test-firing of the K-4 SLBM from INS Arighaat is widely seen as a major development. As geopolitical tensions continue to shape regional security landscapes, India’s advancements in underwater ballistic missile technology will play probably the most important role in ensuring national security and strategic stability.
The successful integration of indigenous technology into these platforms not only strengthens defence capabilities but also reflects India’s growing prowess in defence manufacturing on the global stage.
