India advances nuclear triad with 3,500km submarine missile test
What's the story
India has successfully tested its K-4 ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat. The test was conducted off the coast of Vishakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. With a striking range of 3,500km, this advanced weapon significantly enhances India's sea-based nuclear strike capability. With the K-4's extended range, India can cover key strategic targets while maintaining stealth, survivability, and credible deterrence against potential adversaries.
Strategic significance
K-4 missile: A strategic addition to India's defense arsenal
The K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) was inducted into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024. This makes India one of the few countries in the world capable of launching a nuclear weapon from land, air, and underwater platforms. The missile is an adaptation of the Agni-III land-based system and represents India's longest-range sea-based strategic weapon.
Advanced features
K-4 missile's unique launch capabilities and warhead capacity
The K-4 missile has been modified for underwater launches, including the capability to emerge from a submarine launch silo, surface on the ocean, and then ignite its rocket motor. It can carry a 2.5-tonne nuclear warhead and can be fired from India's Arihant-class submarines. The 'K' in these missiles stands for APJ Abdul Kalam, who was instrumental in India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).