In a notable advancement for its defense capabilities, India has successfully conducted a test launch of the K-4 ballistic missile from the INS Arighaat, which has recently entered service as a nuclear submarine. The launch took place off the coast of Visakhapatnam, with reports emerging from news agency ANI, which cited sources within the Defence sector. The K-4 missile, known for its nuclear capabilities, has a range of approximately 3,500 kilometers.
The Indian Navy executed the test firing, and results from the missile’s performance are currently under analysis. ANI confirmed the event on social media platform X, indicating that it was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, which operates the submarine.
This particular test represents the inaugural launch of the K-4 missile from the INS Arighaat since its commissioning in August of this year. Prior to this event, tests of the K-4 had been conducted exclusively from submersible pontoons, making this successful launch a significant milestone for the Indian Navy’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
The INS Arighaat enhances India’s underwater warfare potential and contributes to the country’s nuclear triad, which includes land-based, air-based, and sea-based deterrents. The capability to launch missiles from submerged platforms is crucial for enhancing the survivability and effectiveness of India’s nuclear arsenal. The successful test of the K-4 further strengthens the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and underlines the country’s commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent in a complex regional security environment.
