In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, the newly commissioned nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat has successfully conducted a test of the country’s nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The test took place in the Bay of Bengal on November 27, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

The INS Arighaat, which weighs 6,000 tons, launched the solid-fueled K-4 missile, boasting an impressive range of 3,500 kilometers. Although there was no formal announcement about the missile test, sources within the defense establishment confirmed that it was indeed carried out from this advanced submarine.

Defense sources revealed, “The test of the ballistic missile was done for the full range. The details are being analysed and the top military and political brass would be briefed by officials concerned on the exact details after complete analysis.” This marked the first occasion that the K-4 missile has been launched from the INS Arighaat, underscoring India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its long-range missile capabilities.

In recent years, submersible pontoons were the primary platforms utilized for testing the K-4. The analysis of the test results will determine whether the missile launch met the established trial objectives and specifications. The successful launch represents a crucial step in bolstering India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence.

This test was conducted within a previously established flight corridor in the Bay of Bengal between November 27 and November 30, which had been communicated through a public area warning. The INS Arighaat, commissioned into the Indian Navy in August, is the nation’s second nuclear-powered submarine designed to carry nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, known in naval terminology as SSBNs.

Differentiating itself from its predecessor, the INS Arihant, which is equipped with K-15 missiles with a range of 750 kilometers, the INS Arighaat’s capability to carry the K-4 missile enhances India’s strategic deterrence. The country also plans to launch its third SSBN, the INS Aridhaman, which will have a displacement of 7,000 tons, in the near future.

Recently, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security approved the construction of two additional nuclear-powered attack submarines, indicating India’s commitment to strengthening its naval presence and strategic influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The K-4 missile, developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is an essential component of India’s military arsenal, aimed at equipping its nuclear submarines for effective deterrence. Currently, several countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, maintain SLBMs with ranges exceeding 5,000 kilometers, making India’s advancements in this area even more critical for its national security strategy.

In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, the Indian Navy has successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable K-4 ballistic missile from the submarine INS Arighaat. This test represents a crucial milestone in enhancing India’s deterrent capabilities, particularly in the context of regional security dynamics. The K-4 missile, with a striking range of approximately 3,500 kilometers, is designed to be launched from submarines, providing the Indian Navy with a strategic edge in naval warfare.

The test was conducted under controlled conditions, and defense officials have described the launch as a major success, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the K-4 system. This missile is part of India’s broader nuclear deterrent strategy, which aims to ensure a credible second-strike capability against any potential adversaries. The successful launch from INS Arighaat reflects India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces and enhance its strategic capabilities in response to growing geopolitical challenges in the region.

In recent months, naval warfare strategies around the world have evolved, with many countries focusing on enhancing their submarine capabilities. India’s successful test of the K-4 missile underscores its commitment to maintain a robust, credible deterrence posture. The K-4 missile is a significant component of India’s sea-based deterrent, which also includes the K-15 missile and the Arihant class of nuclear submarines.

The testing of the K-4 aligns with India’s doctrine of ‘no first use’ of nuclear weapons, ensuring that the country maintains a powerful deterrent while committing to a defensive posture. As global tensions continue to rise, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, the development and deployment of advanced missile systems like the K-4 are of paramount importance.

This successful launch also arrives amid political developments in the country, with notable references made to the presence of the Gandhi family members in Parliament for the first time in decades, and a lengthy deadlock over the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra appearing to reach a resolution. These political narratives complement the ongoing national discourse surrounding defense, security, and strategic autonomy.

The Indian Navy’s successful test of the K-4 ballistic missile reaffirms its rigorous testing schedule and commitment to ensuring that the nation’s defense system remains cutting-edge and effective against potential threats. With ongoing advancements, India aims to consolidate its position as a major player in the global defense landscape.

A Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur, recently dismissed an appeal filed by a Navy officer who sought a disability pension on the grounds that his medical condition, epilepsy, was attributable to his service in the Indian Navy. The officer had been invalidated from service following the diagnosis of his condition, which was acknowledged but not deemed a result of his military engagement. The Court noted that epilepsy is a condition that can be dormant and appears intermittently, and emphasized that there was no evidence presented to indicate that the officer’s service aggravated his medical condition.

The case dates back to January 1, 1977, when the petitioner enlisted in the Indian Navy. He served for nearly six years before being discharged on December 20, 1982, after a Medical Board deemed him unfit for service due to his epilepsy, diagnosed in 1981. The officer contested the severity of his condition and asserted that he was unjustly invalidated from service within a relatively short time frame. He argued that essential medical documentation regarding his condition was never provided, receiving only a certificate that classified him as medically unfit.

Subsequently, the officer approached the Armed Forces Tribunal seeking a disability pension calculated at 50% for life, starting from his invalidation date. However, the Tribunal decided only to grant him an invalid pension. Displeased with this verdict, the officer escalated the matter to the High Court.

In his appeal, the officer’s counsel contended that critical medical documents were missing, and a certificate dated October 14, 2019, only confirmed the destruction of these records. The counsel maintained that the documentation available indicated that the petitioner should not have been classified as invalidated given his initial medical classification. Citing numerous Supreme Court judgments, the defense argued that service members entering the military in good health who subsequently are discharged with disabilities should be entitled to consideration for disability pensions unless specific exceptions applied.

On the other hand, the respondents, representing the government, countered the appeal by arguing that the petitioner’s medical classification was appropriate, asserting that he fell under a Low Medical Category (S5A5). They explained the absence of other medical documents due to the historical policy regarding the destruction of records from 1994 and maintained that the petitioner’s disability had been assessed as neither attributable to nor aggravated by military service. The respondents pointed out that since the assessed disability percentage was below 20%, it was not eligible for the rounding-off benefit to 50%.

The Court examined the Tribunal’s ruling and the medical documentation related to the case thoroughly. It reviewed the assessment by Lieutenant Colonel A.S. Narayanan Swamy, a neurology specialist, who concluded that the petitioner suffered from generalized epilepsy without any secondary causes linked to military service. The Medical Board had confirmed that the petitioner was medically fit for certain civil duties, with exceptions regarding specific activities that could trigger his condition.

Additionally, the Court considered statements from the petitioner’s Commanding Officer, which indicated that he was not assigned duties requiring submarine operations or sailing, further supporting the view that his medical condition could not be attributed to his service in the Navy.

Ultimately, the Court ruled that the officer’s epilepsy likely existed in a dormant state at the time of his commissioning and could not be connected to his period of service, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.

During a recent lecture at the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the harmonious relationship between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur, despite ongoing ethnic tensions. He highlighted that the Indian Army plays a crucial role in fostering camaraderie and bridging divides within these communities.

General Dwivedi characterized the Army as an apolitical entity, composed of personnel from diverse backgrounds across the nation. He underscored the strength of the Army’s socio-cultural values, describing it as a melting pot that unifies individuals from various regions and cultures. “The dialogues found in films celebrating the courage of the Indian Army illustrate its unifying presence,” he remarked, referencing notable films that depict the valor of the armed forces.

The General also noted that Hindi serves as a common language among soldiers hailing from different parts of India, reinforcing bonds within the diverse ranks of the Army. He mentioned the symbolism at the Siachen base, where representations of all religious deities coexist, which he believes exemplifies the spirit of unity within the force.

Further addressing the situation in Manipur, General Dwivedi recounted how veterans from both the Kuki and Meitei communities have been actively involved in initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and dispelling fears among their respective groups. This involvement reflects the Army’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Additionally, General Dwivedi discussed the Army’s preparations for India’s ambitious bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036, referring to the endeavor as ‘Mission 2032’. He expressed confidence that the Army would play a fundamental role in the successful organization of the event, emphasizing the necessity of adequate manpower and strategic planning in the lead-up to this significant occasion.

Imphal has witnessed an escalating situation as the Indian Army and Manipur Police personnel continue their extensive search operation for Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a 56-year-old man from the Meitei community who has been missing since November 25. Singh, who resides in Loitang Khunou village in Imphal West, reportedly left his home to attend to his duties at the Leimakhong military station but failed to arrive, prompting a joint effort from law enforcement and military personnel.

In the four days since Singh’s disappearance, authorities have intensified searches conducted in the Leimakhong area and neighboring regions, with Defence officials confirming that all available resources are being utilized. The joint operation involves thorough inspections of CCTV footage, interviews with Singh’s colleagues, and the deployment of tracker dogs in hopes of locating him.

The missing individual has not contacted his family since he left home, and concerns are growing as his mobile phone remains switched off. Singh serves as a works supervisor for a contractor under the Military Engineering Services (MES) at Leimakhong military station.

The situation has drawn attention from community leaders and organizations. Defence officials are reportedly engaging with local village heads and civil society organizations to facilitate information gathering and support. The Army has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Singh and has reassured his family of the extensive efforts being undertaken to find him.

Tension in the region has escalated as local communities have responded to Singh’s disappearance. Protesters from Loitang Khunou village are blocking the road leading to the headquarters of the Army’s 57th Mountain Division, demanding the safe rescue of Singh. Additionally, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) staged a sit-in protest as they called for urgent action from the authorities.

The Leimakhong military station lies about 16 kilometers from Imphal and is situated in an area that predominantly consists of Kuki-Zo tribal communities. Following the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May of last year, many individuals from the Meitei community were forced to evacuate areas near the station, contributing to the current tensions in the region.

As the search continues, authorities are urging cooperation from local communities to alleviate any potential blockades that may hinder the ongoing investigation and search efforts. The priority remains on locating Singh and ensuring his safe return.

The Indian Navy has successfully conducted a test of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, according to various media reports. The missile, which is said to be the K-4 variant, was launched from the INS Arighaat submarine, marking a significant milestone as it was the first time this missile was fired from a submarine rather than from submersible pontoons. The K-4 missile, known for its solid-fuel capabilities, boasts an impressive strike range of approximately 3,500 kilometers.

INS Arighaat, weighing in at 6,000 tonnes, is a recent addition to the Indian Navy, having been commissioned just this past August. The submarine not only enhances India’s maritime defense capabilities but also represents a stride in indigenous technology and manufacturing. Reports indicate that INS Arighaat is the second nuclear-capable submarine in India’s fleet, following the INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016.

The test took place off the coast near Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal, although there was no immediate official comment from the Indian Navy regarding the launch. Anticipation surrounds the release of further details about this demonstration, particularly in light of India’s prior notification of a public area warning and notice to airmen (NOTAM) that was effective from November 27 to 30. This NOTAM covered a flight corridor extending over 3,490 kilometers.

INS Arighaat features sophisticated systems that have been developed indigenously, showcasing the capabilities of Indian scientists and engineers in the fields of research and development. This advanced submarine emblemizes India’s commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities with domestically crafted technology. Furthermore, plans for the future include the induction of a larger submarine, which is expected to have a displacement of 7,000 tonnes, surpassing the current specifications of INS Arighaat. This initiative underscores India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its strategic arsenal and maintain a robust defense posture in the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.