On November 28, 2024, India successfully launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from its advanced submarine, INS Arighaat.
On November 28, 2024, India successfully launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from its advanced submarine, INS Arighaat. The missile, named K-4, was fired from underwater and is part of India’s strategic plans to strengthen its defense capabilities. This launch marks an important milestone for the Indian Navy and highlights the country’s growing strength in underwater missile technology.
INS Arighaat, the second nuclear-powered submarine of India, was developed under the country’s ambitious Arihant-class program. This submarine is capable of carrying and launching nuclear-capable missiles, making it a critical asset to India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The launch of the K-4 missile is seen as a clear message that India has significantly enhanced its ability to respond to threats in the region.
What is the K-4 Missile?
The K-4 is a medium-range ballistic missile that has been designed to be launched from submarines. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. The missile has a range of about 3,500 kilometers, which means it can strike targets deep within enemy territory. This gives India the ability to retaliate even if its land-based missile systems are destroyed in a preemptive strike.
The K-4 is one of several missiles developed by India as part of its effort to build a credible second-strike capability. This means that if India is attacked with nuclear weapons, it would still have the ability to launch a devastating counterattack, ensuring the principle of deterrence.
INS Arighaat: A Strategic Asset
INS Arighaat is part of the Indian Navy’s Arihant-class of nuclear-powered submarines. The class was named after India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016. INS Arighaat, launched in 2017, is designed to be stealthy and carry long-range missiles that can be launched while submerged in the ocean. This gives the Indian Navy a powerful advantage, as it makes the submarines hard to detect and target by enemy forces.
Submarines like INS Arighaat are often referred to as the “second-strike” capability of a nation. This is because they are less vulnerable to attacks compared to land-based missile systems, which are often easier to target. A missile-launching submarine can remain hidden underwater for long periods, making it nearly impossible for enemies to neutralize it before it launches its missiles in retaliation.
A Step Forward for India’s Defense
India’s defense and military experts have hailed the successful test of the K-4 missile from INS Arighaat as a significant achievement. It demonstrates India’s progress in building a reliable nuclear deterrence system. The test also shows that India has advanced its capabilities in underwater warfare, a critical area for modern defense strategies.
India has been focusing on strengthening its nuclear arsenal, especially its sea-based nuclear deterrent, for several years. The ability to launch nuclear missiles from submarines is seen as an essential component of India’s nuclear triad, which also includes land-based and air-launched nuclear weapons. A nuclear triad gives India the ability to launch a nuclear strike from multiple platforms, ensuring that it can retaliate if attacked with nuclear weapons.
The successful launch of the K-4 missile is also a boost to the Make in India initiative, as the missile and submarine are both indigenous products. It reflects the country’s growing technological expertise and self-reliance in defense production.
Future Plans and Developments
The successful test of the K-4 missile from INS Arighaat is just one step in India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military. The Indian Navy is expected to continue working on developing new, advanced missile systems, including longer-range ballistic missiles and more sophisticated submarine technologies.
In the future, India aims to expand its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, which will further enhance its underwater defense capabilities. The country is also focusing on improving its missile defense systems, both for protection against missile attacks and for offensive operations.
The test of the K-4 nuclear-capable missile from INS Arighaat is a major achievement for India. It demonstrates the country’s growing capabilities in underwater warfare and its commitment to strengthening its nuclear deterrence. As India continues to modernize its defense systems, the success of this missile test will likely play a key role in ensuring the nation’s security and strategic interests in the region.
