GS Paper - III
The Indian Navy on 28 November 2024 successfully conducted a test firing of the 3,500 km-range K-4 ballistic missile from its newly inducted nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal.
Significance of the Test
- Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence - Validates India’s second-strike capability, a crucial element of its nuclear doctrine.
- Enhancing the Nuclear Triad - Reinforces the nuclear triad, ensuring India’s capability to launch nuclear strikes from land, air, and sea.
- Operational Readiness - Confirms the strategic capabilities of INS Arighaat and the operational reliability of the K-4 missile.
About the K-4 Ballistic Missile
- Range: Capable of striking targets over 3,500 km, far exceeding the 750 km range of the K-15 missiles on INS Arihant.
- Development: Designed and extensively tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Launch Capability: Can be launched from underwater platforms, providing flexibility and stealth.
What is INS Arighaat?
- It was Commissioned in August 2024 at Vishakhapatnam’s Ship Building Centre.
- It equipped with more powerful K-4 missiles than its predecessor, INS Arihant.
- Incorporates advanced design, materials, and indigenous systems developed under the Aatmanirbharta initiative.
- Role in Strategic Defense: Strengthens India's submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capabilities.
- Offers improved deterrence posture against adversaries.
India’s Nuclear Submarine Fleet
- INS Arihant: Commissioned in 2018, the first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
- INS Arighaat: More advanced successor to INS Arihant.
- Future Developments: A third nuclear submarine is set for induction in 2025, further enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
