India tests 3,500-km range K-4 nuclear missile from INS Arighaat submarine.
Science and Technology
On November 28, 2024, the Indian Navy (IN) successfully tested the K-4 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from its newly commissioned submarine, INS Arighaat.
- The K-4 missile has a range of 3,500 km, making it an upgrade over the K-15missiles used on INS Arihant, which have a range of 750 km.
- INS Arighaat, India’s 2nd nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, was commissioned in August 2024, featuring advanced technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- The submarine is equipped with 4 launch tubes capable of carrying 12 K-15 Sagarika Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 km or 4 K-4 SLBMs with a range of 3,500 km.
Main Point :- (i) The commissioning strengthens India’s nuclear triad with land-based missiles like Prithvi-II (350 km), Agni-I (700 km), Agni-2 (2,000 km), Agni-3 (3,000 km), Agni-5 (over 5,000 km); air-based assets like Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and Rafale fighter jets; and sea-based deterrence through INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
(ii) India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence is reinforced by INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, with the third submarine, INS Aridhaman, scheduled for commissioning in 2025.
(iii) Future missile developments include K-5 and K-6 SLBMs, with ranges of 5,000–6,000 km, further enhancing India’s strategic capabilities.
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