In a significant advancement of India’s strategic defense capabilities, the Indian Navy successfully test-fired the K-4 ballistic missile from the recently inducted nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat, on Wednesday. This missile, with a range of 3,500 kilometers, is a key asset in bolstering India’s second-strike capability.
The test marks a critical milestone in the operational readiness of INS Arighaat, which was inducted in August at the Vishakhapatnam-based Ship Building Centre. Alongside INS Arihant, INS Arighaat forms the backbone of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy, offering the ability to launch ballistic missiles from underwater platforms.
The Navy is expected to conduct further tests of the missile system in the coming months to validate its performance and reliability. A senior defense official noted, “A successful K-4 missile test will validate India’s second-strike capability.”
Strengthening the Submarine Fleet
INS Arighaat is the second nuclear submarine in India’s arsenal with ballistic missile capabilities. The induction of a third submarine is already in progress, with its launch completed earlier this year. This new vessel is expected to join the fleet by next year, further enhancing India’s underwater strategic deterrent.
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The K-4 missile system adds a significant layer of capability to India’s deterrence posture, allowing the country to maintain credible second-strike options in the event of an attack. These capabilities are crucial for maintaining a balance of power in the region, especially given the increasing military advancements by neighboring nations.
The development comes amid heightened global focus on advanced missile systems, with countries like Russia also ramping up production of hypersonic and mid-range ballistic missiles for their defense strategies.
