India successfully test fires 3,500-km range K-4 Missile from INS Arighaat
Arighaat’s K-4 missile system, with a range exceeding 3,500 km, far outclasses its predecessor, INS Arihant, which carries K-15 missiles with a range of around 750 km
PTC Web Desk: India achieved a significant milestone in its strategic defense capabilities on Thursday as the Indian Navy successfully conducted a test of the 3,500-km range K-4 ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat. The test, carried out in the Bay of Bengal, underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its nuclear deterrence and bolstering its second-strike capabilities.
K-4 Missile test: A key step in India’s defense evolution
The K-4 ballistic missile is designed for underwater launches, making it a critical asset in ensuring the country's ability to retaliate during nuclear conflicts. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile has undergone rigorous trials to meet operational standards.
According to defense sources, the results of the test are under detailed analysis. Briefings will soon be held for top military and political leaders to assess the missile’s performance and strategic implications.
The INS Arighaat, commissioned in August 2024, represents a leap forward in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. Built at the Vishakhapatnam-based Ship Building Centre, the submarine is equipped with advanced missile systems and state-of-the-art technology.
Arighaat’s K-4 missile system, with a range exceeding 3,500 km, far outclasses its predecessor, INS Arihant, which carries K-15 missiles with a range of around 750 km. This enhanced strike capability positions INS Arighaat as a formidable asset in India’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, ensuring a robust response to any potential threat.
The presence of both INS Arighaat and INS Arihant significantly strengthens India's ability to safeguard national security and maintain a strategic deterrence posture.
India's nuclear submarine fleet began with the commissioning of INS Arihant in 2018, the country’s first indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. The INS Arighaat is the second vessel in this class and incorporates advanced design features, indigenous systems, and enhanced manufacturing technology.
The construction of the submarine involved the use of complex engineering, cutting-edge research, and indigenous materials. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, during the commissioning of INS Arighaat, praised its construction as a testament to India's technological expertise and the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Looking ahead, India plans to induct the third submarine in this series into the Navy by 2025, further enhancing its naval capabilities and strategic preparedness.
Strategic implications of K-4 Test
The successful test of the K-4 missile marks a significant step forward for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. By enabling a long-range, underwater missile launch, the test validates India’s second-strike capability—a crucial element in maintaining peace and deterring adversaries. This capability ensures that India can retaliate even in the event of a first strike, thereby solidifying its nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, air-launched nuclear weapons, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
Indigenous excellence in defense technology
The INS Arighaat features entirely indigenous systems, designed, manufactured, and integrated by Indian scientists, engineers, and naval personnel. The advanced technological systems on INS Arighaat make it superior to its predecessor, INS Arihant. These upgrades enhance India’s ability to respond to evolving threats and assert its presence in strategic domains.