India gave new heights to its nuclear deterrence. India has successfully test-fired K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) from its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighat. This test has been done in the Bay of Bengal. K-4 has a range of 3,500 kilometers, can carry a nuclear warhead and greatly strengthens India’s maritime nuclear power.

What is the specialty of K-4 missile?

The K-4 is a solid-fueled, two-stage intermediate-range ballistic missile. It can carry a nuclear payload of up to 2 tons. It is launched with cold-launch technology, that is, it first comes out from under water, then the engine starts, which increases the safety of the submarine.

Why is the successful test of K-4 missile special?

India’s nuclear triad (capability to attack from land, air and sea) has now become completely strong. Earlier, INS Arihant had only K-15 (750 km range) missile, which was limited. But now with the 3,500 km range of K-4, Indian submarines can target the entire area from the safe areas of the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea. Now the enemy can be destroyed without going close to it.

This missile can greatly increase the second-strike capability under the ‘No First Use’ policy, as the submarine hides under water, making it difficult for the enemy to track.

Pakistan’s Shaheen-3 compared to K-4 missile

Pakistan’s longest range missile is Shaheen-3, which has a range of 2,750 kilometers. It is a land-based missile and covers the whole of India. But its range is 750 kilometers less than K-4. Pakistan’s missile is not a sea-launched ballistic missile. Pakistan is currently making Babar-3 (450-700 km) and Ababil missiles (2,200 km).

India’s K-4 has not only given a huge advantage technically but also strategically, but has also strengthened India’s security at sea. In the coming time, K-5 and K-6 missiles will also be made, whose range will be 5,000-6,000 kilometers.