India has reportedly tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from its newly commissioned submarine, INS Arighaat. The nuclear-powered submarine, which was inducted into the Indian Navy on August 29, is the second vessel of the Arihant class to enter service.
According to The Times of India, the test took place on November 27, with the K-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) being launched from Arighaat. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the success of the test.
Representative photo for an Indian submarine. (Credit: ANI)
The K-4 missile is a nuclear-capable, submarine-launched IRBM with an estimated range of 3,500 kilometers. The test was conducted in the Bay of Bengal, and sources indicated it was the first time the missile had been launched from a submarine, as previous tests had been conducted from undersea pontoons.
While the INS Arighaat is equipped with K-4 missiles, its predecessor, the INS Arihant, carries K-15 missiles with a 750-kilometer range. Two additional Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarines are currently under construction, and two more K-series missiles with extended ranges are also in development.
The successful launch of the IRBM from a submarine would significantly enhance India's nuclear triad, which ensures the capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. Nuclear-powered submarines are considered highly potent for nuclear deterrence, as they are among the most difficult to detect and destroy, unlike land-based launch sites, which are vulnerable to aerial strikes.
Everything You Need to Know About the K-4 Ballistic Missile
The K-4 ballistic missile, designed for launch from underwater platforms, is a crucial component of India's military arsenal. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it boasts a range of 3,500 km and the ability to deliver nuclear payloads with high precision, enhancing India’s nuclear triad. The missile also has a strike range of approximately 750 km.
The recent upgrades have significantly strengthened the INS Arighaat, making it a powerful addition to India’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Formally inducted into the Strategic Forces Command in August 2024 by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, INS Arighaat is India’s second Arihant-class submarine and is capable of carrying multiple K-4 missiles.
According to information provided by the PIB, INS Arighaat was built using advanced design and manufacturing technologies, supported by extensive research and development. The submarine incorporates specialized materials, complex engineering, and expert craftsmanship.
India is currently developing five Arihant-class submarines and six nuclear attack submarines in three phases, as part of its long-term plan to enhance both nuclear and conventional submarine capabilities.
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