India successfully tests K-4 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from INS Arighaat

Thu Nov 28 11:40:00 UTC 2024: ## India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Missile from Submarine

**VISAKHAPATNAM, India** – India significantly boosted its nuclear deterrence capabilities on Wednesday with the successful test-firing of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, the K-4, from the INS Arighaat submarine in the Bay of Bengal. This marks the first time India has launched such a missile from a submarine, joining an elite group of nations with land, air, and sea-based nuclear launch capabilities.

The K-4, a solid-fuelled missile, reportedly achieved nearly its full range of approximately 3,500 km. This follows several previous tests from submersible platforms over the past few years. The test launch comes just over a week after India successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile. While hypersonic missiles are highly maneuverable, ballistic missiles, like the K-4, follow predetermined trajectories.

The INS Arighaat, commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29th, is equipped with indigenous systems and equipment, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology. This successful test underscores India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities amidst perceived threats from neighboring countries, particularly China. The development of both hypersonic and submarine-launched ballistic missiles is seen as a key component of India’s strategic defense posture.