India Strengthens Nuclear Deterrence with Successful Test of 3,500-km Range K-4 Missile from INS Arighaat

India has marked a significant advancement in its nuclear deterrence capability with the successful test of the K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) from the indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat. The launch, conducted on November 27 off the coast of Visakhapatnam, underscores India’s progress in submarine-based nuclear strike technology, a vital component of its strategic arsenal.

The K-4 missile, boasting a range of approximately 3,500 kilometers, is a critical asset for India’s second-strike capability. Second-strike capability is essential for credible deterrence, allowing a nation to retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack. The K-4 enhances India's ability to project this power from beneath the ocean's surface, making it far more difficult for adversaries to target.

K-4: Specifications and Strategic Importance

The K-4 SLBM stands out due to its extended range and advanced technology compared to its predecessor, the K-15 (750 km range). Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the K-4 is a three-stage solid-fueled missile with sophisticated inertial navigation systems to ensure high accuracy. It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead weighing up to one ton and employs decoys to evade enemy missile defenses.

This missile is particularly crucial for the survivability of India’s nuclear deterrent. Deployed on submarines such as INS Arighaat and INS Arihant, the K-4 enables India to maintain a covert and mobile launch platform. Unlike land-based missiles, which can be more easily targeted, submarine-launched weapons offer a virtually undetectable mode of deployment, significantly complicating the strategic calculations of potential adversaries.

INS Arighaat: A Stealthy Guardian of India's Seas

The test launch from INS Arighaat further highlights the operational maturity of India's SSBN (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine) program. Commissioned in 2022, INS Arighaat is the second submarine of the Arihant class and is equipped to carry both K-15 and K-4 missiles. It features advanced sonar systems, enhanced stealth technology, and upgraded reactor capabilities, making it a formidable addition to India's strategic fleet.

While reports in 2022 suggested that INS Arighaat had already undergone trials for K-15 and K-4 missiles, this latest test signifies a move toward achieving the full operational deployment of the K-4. Experts believe this could involve validating the missile's entire range and performance under simulated combat conditions.

Future Developments: K-5 and Beyond

India’s progress does not stop with the K-4. The DRDO is actively developing the K-5 missile, which is expected to have a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers. The K-5 will be capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), a feature that enhances its ability to strike multiple targets with precision. This next-generation missile is anticipated to be deployed on future Arihant-class submarines and the larger, more advanced S-5 class currently under development.

Adhering to a Responsible Nuclear Doctrine

India’s strides in SLBM technology are aligned with its no-first-use nuclear policy and commitment to a credible minimum deterrent. By focusing on second-strike capabilities, India aims to maintain strategic stability in the region while deterring potential aggression.

The successful K-4 test from INS Arighaat is not just a technological milestone but also a powerful statement of India’s defense preparedness and strategic intent. It reflects the nation’s resolve to ensure the survivability and effectiveness of its nuclear deterrent in an evolving geopolitical landscape. As India continues to refine and expand its underwater strike capabilities, it reinforces its position as a responsible nuclear power committed to peace and stability in the region.