India Tests K-4 Long-Range Nuclear Missile From Newly Commissioned INS Arighaat Submarine

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India Tests K-4 Long Range Nuclear Missile From INS Arighaat Submarine

India has conducted a successful test of the K-4 long-range nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the newly commissioned nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat, Indian defense media report. This launch advances the Indian Navy’s sea-based nuclear deterrent and follows earlier developmental trials.

The launch occurred in the Bay of Bengal off the east coast of India near Visakhapatnam. The Defense Ministry has not issued an official public statement as of this writing, but multiple Indian news sources cite defense officials and local reports on the event.

The K-4 SLBM, developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation, is designed to arm India’s Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines and has a reported range of about 3,500 kilometers.

Strategic Context

The K-4 launch from INS Arighaat is seen as a key step toward operationalizing India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. India’s broader nuclear posture includes land-, air-, and sea-based delivery systems. Deployment of SLBMs from SSBNs is central to a survivable second-strike capability.

INS Arighaat, commissioned into the Indian Navy in August 2024, is the second submarine in the Arihant class capable of deploying ballistic missiles. The earlier lead vessel, INS Arihant, initially carried shorter-range SLBMs.

Technical Details

The K-4 is a two-stage solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile tailored for submarine launch. It is roughly 12 meters long, weighs about 17 tons, and can carry a nuclear payload. Guidance systems combine inertial navigation with satellite navigation support for accuracy.

The missile ejection process involves launching from a submerged submarine tube, breaching the surface, and igniting its rocket motor to follow its trajectory.

Regional and Global Implications

The successful launch places India among a small group of nations fielding sea-based strategic weapons. SLBMs with ranges beyond 3,000 kilometers add survivability to a nuclear force by allowing patrols far from home ports.