- By Aashish Vashistha
- Thu, 28 Nov 2024 04:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
K-4 Nuclear Ballistic Missile: The Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired the K-4 ballistic missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads with a range of 3,500 kilometres, from its recently commissioned nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat, news agency ANI reported.
This successful test, conducted in the Bay of Bengal, represents a major step forward in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. It boosts the nation's nuclear deterrence and demonstrates its second-strike capability.
The K-4 missile, which uses solid fuel and has a range of up to 3,500 km, was successfully launched from a 6,000-ton submarine. The Indian Navy had commissioned the submarine in August at the Ship Building Centre in Vishakhapatnam.
Before conducting a full-range test of the missile, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) had performed a series of comprehensive trials involving the missile's launch from underwater platforms, news agency ANI reported citing sources.
The Indian Navy is now preparing for additional tests of the missile system. The Navy currently operates two nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles: the INS Arihant and the INS Arighaat. A third submarine, which has already been launched, is expected to be inducted into service next year.
All About K-4 Ballistic Missile And Its Features
India carried out a covert test of its K-4 missile near Visakhapatnam in January 2010. The K-4 ballistic missile is a 10-meter-long, 1.3-meter-wide ballistic missile, easily identified by its distinct black-and-white design. The missile was launched from a submerged pontoon, positioned 50 meters underwater.
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In a demonstration of its advanced underwater launch capability, the missile surfaced successfully, marking a significant milestone in India's strategic defence development. Here are some of its features:
Nuclear-Capable: The K-4 ballistic missile is designed to carry nuclear warheads, enhancing India's strategic deterrence capabilities.
Range: The missile has the capability of striking targets at a distance of up to 4,000 km, significantly greater than the K-15 missile's shorter range.
Payload: Equipped with a warhead weighing up to 1,000 kg, the missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads.
Submarine-Launched: Specifically developed for launch from India's Arihant-class nuclear submarines, providing a second-strike capability.
The K-4 missile, developed for deployment on Arihant-class submarines, enhances India's sea-based nuclear deterrence, providing a crucial component to its strategic defence architecture.
