According to reports by local media over the course of last week, India would have carried out the launch of a K-4 ballistic missile from one of its new Arihant-class nuclear submarines, more specifically from the unit named INS Arighaat. Although there has been no official confirmation from the country’s Ministry of Defence, the reports indicate that the event would have taken place in the Bay of Bengal under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, which brings together personnel from the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
Expanding on the details, Indian analysts highlighted that the occasion served to test the performance of the missile, which has an estimated range of around 3,500 kilometers and is powered by solid fuel. The missile is also characterized by its ability to be equipped with a nuclear warhead of up to two tons. At present, New Delhi would be conducting in-depth analyses of the data obtained, seeking to certify whether the system met all mission objectives correctly.
It should be mentioned, however, that the recent launch reportedly experienced a series of delays and rescheduling, which would indicate concerns over the growing presence of Chinese research vessels deployed in the Indian Ocean, according to reports. In detail, it is noted that at the beginning of this month the Indian government issued notices to warn civilian maritime and air traffic about the tests, initially designating a danger zone of some 3,500 kilometers. Subsequently, it was announced that the test would be postponed until the 11th of the month, followed by a third notice setting its execution between the 17th and the 20th. The fourth and final notice delayed the tests to the period between December 22 and 24.
In this context, it is worth recalling that in order to achieve Full Operational Capability, the K-4 missile must successfully pass a wide range of tests, which includes the execution of trial launches such as the one referenced. In this regard, it should be recalled that this weapon would have been tested for the first time from a submarine in November 2024, on an occasion that also involved the INS Arighaat itself, a submarine that was commissioned into service in August of that same year.
On the other hand, it is also important to highlight that India is not only working on the development of this type of missile, but also on the build-up of the Arihant-class submarine fleet that will equip its Navy. As previously reported earlier this month, the country revealed that it expects to commission INS Aridhaman during the first quarter of next year, making it the third unit of its type to enter service. In the long term, the formation of this fleet together with the development of ballistic missiles is seen by Indian strategists as a key step to reinforce retaliatory strike capabilities in the event of conflict.
If we broaden the focus beyond the naval domain, it is also worth noting that India successfully carried out launches of its new Agni-5 ballistic missile in August, when all the planned technical and operational parameters were validated at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. Toward the end of September, another launch was conducted using Agni-Prime missiles from a rail-based launcher, which was highlighted at the time as a significant capability leap that would provide greater flexibility to the country’s nuclear deterrence. Taken together, these developments reflect New Delhi’s progress in this field, with the intention of its top authorities being to close the gap that currently exists with the world’s major nuclear powers.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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