New Delhi, November 28, 2024: India marked a major milestone in its defense capabilities on Thursday with the successful test of the K-4 ballistic missile, a 3,500-km range submarine-launched weapon, from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. The test reaffirms India’s growing prowess in nuclear deterrence and its robust second-strike capability.
The K-4 missile, developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a critical component of India’s strategic arsenal. Designed for underwater launches, the missile strengthens India’s ability to respond to nuclear threats. Defense sources indicated that test results are undergoing detailed analysis, with top military and political leaders to be briefed on its performance and implications.
Commissioned in August 2024, INS Arighaat is a technological leap forward for India’s indigenous defense manufacturing. Built at the Vishakhapatnam-based Ship Building Centre, the submarine features advanced missile systems and cutting-edge technology, outclassing its predecessor, INS Arihant.
While INS Arihant is equipped with K-15 missiles, capable of striking targets up to 750 km, INS Arighaat’s K-4 system extends India’s strike range to 3,500 km. This advancement significantly boosts India’s naval deterrence capabilities and ensures a more formidable response to potential threats.
“The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat enhances India’s ability to safeguard national security and maintain strategic deterrence,” a defense official stated.
The K-4 missile test is a key step in solidifying India’s nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, air-launched nuclear weapons, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. A fully operational nuclear triad is essential for second-strike capability, ensuring retaliation in the event of a first strike and maintaining strategic stability.
By enabling long-range underwater missile launches, the test further validates India’s preparedness to counter evolving threats. Defense experts regard this as a pivotal step in deterring adversaries and preserving peace in the region.
The INS Arighaat stands as a testament to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. Entirely equipped with indigenous systems, the submarine reflects advancements in engineering, research, and material sciences achieved under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
During the commissioning of INS Arighaat, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed it as a symbol of India’s technological expertise. “This milestone showcases the success of our self-reliance in defense technology and the commitment of Indian scientists and engineers,” Singh said.
India’s nuclear submarine fleet began with INS Arihant, commissioned in 2018, as the first indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. The INS Arighaat represents the next generation, with enhanced design features and upgraded systems.
A third submarine in this class is set to join the Navy by 2025, further strengthening India’s strategic deterrence and expanding its capabilities in the maritime domain.
The K-4 missile test underscores India’s determination to maintain a credible defense posture and advance its indigenous military technologies, ensuring national security in an increasingly complex global landscape.
