New Delhi: India successfully tested the K-4 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) on Wednesday, from Indian SSBN INS Arighaat. Kalam 4 (K4) is a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), designed for a strike range of 3,500 km, and was tested from the newly commissioned nuclear-powered 6,000 tonne submarine INS Arighaat.
The national capital has been abuzz with speculation about the K-4 SLBM test. There has been no official confirmation from the Indian government or defense authorities, even after 12 hours of the reported test.
The K-4 SLBM is a cornerstone of India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile boasts a range of approximately 3,500 kilometers, enabling it to target strategic assets deep inside an adversary’s territory while remaining concealed underwater. The K-4 enhances the second-strike capability of India’s nuclear triad, providing a credible deterrent against potential aggressors.
The INS Arighaat is designed to carry the K-4 SLBMs, making it a key platform in India’s strategic forces. A successful test signifies significant progress in operationalising India’s submarine-launched nuclear strike capability, which is critical for ensuring survivability in the event of a first strike.
The lack of official statements regarding the purported test has left room for speculation. Typically, India announces successful missile tests, particularly those involving strategic systems like the K-4, to highlight advancements in its defense capabilities.
If the K-4 test from INS Arighaat is confirmed, it would underscore India’s progress in enhancing its sea-based deterrence capabilities, an essential element of its nuclear doctrine of credible minimum deterrence. The ability to conduct submerged launches from a nuclear-powered platform ensures survivability and strengthens India’s second-strike capability, a critical factor in maintaining strategic stability in the region.
(with Agency inputs)
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