India successfully launched the K-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile from its nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant in the Bay of Bengal. With an approximate range of 3,500 kilometers, this missile adds significant strength to India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence capability.
Although the Ministry of Defense has not yet made an official statement, it is known that the missile was fired off the coast of Vizag (Visakhapatnam) from the 6,000-ton INS Arihant submarine. This submarine operates under the control of India’s Strategic Forces Command.
According to sources, the solid-fueled K-4 missile, capable of carrying a nuclear payload of approximately two tons, plays a critical role in India’s sea-based nuclear power. However, experts say that these submarine-launched ballistic missiles still need to go through many more testing phases before becoming fully operational.
An Important Step Toward the “Nuclear Triad” Goal
This test is not the first trial conducted by INS Arihant with the K-4 missile. The submarine had previously successfully completed various platform and surface tests. This move is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening India’s “nuclear triad” capability, which enables the use of nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
Source: C4Defence / INS Arihant
