India tests submarine-launched ballistic missile with 3,500 km range
India has tested a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), designed for a strike range of 3,500 km, from the newly commissioned nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat, sources said.
Sources said the test, which took place off the coast of Visakhapatnam, involved the K-4 missile, a solid-fueled SLBM.
This was the first test of the K-4 missile from the INS Arighaat, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy in August. The K-4 has so far only been tested from submersible pontoons over the last several years.
India had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a public warning for an intermediate-range missile test over a 3,490-km flight corridor between November 27 and 30.
A detailed analysis of the test results is underway to determine whether the missile successfully met its trial parameters and objectives, sources said.
The K-4 missile was developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to arm the country’s nuclear-powered submarines. Countries like the US, Russia and China already have over 5,000-km range SLBMs.
The 6,000-tonne INS Arighaat is India’s latest nuclear-powered submarine, strengthening the country’s second-strike capability. The first nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, which was commissioned into service in 2016, is armed with only 750-km range K-15 missiles.