K-4 SLBM Test from INS Arighaat Boosts India’s Nuclear Deterrence

India has successfully tested the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal, marking a major milestone in strengthening the sea-based leg of India’s nuclear deterrence.

The test was conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam, though no official statement was issued by the Ministry of Defence.

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K-4 SLBM Test from INS Arighaat Boosts India’s Nuclear Deterrence

K-4 Missile and Strategic Significance

According to defence sources, the missile tested was the solid-fuelled K-4, capable of:

• Range: ~3,500 km
• Payload: Up to 2 tonnes, including nuclear warheads

The K-4 missile is critical for operationalising India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, enhancing the credibility of the country’s nuclear triad (land, air, and sea-based delivery systems).

As with all submarine-launched ballistic missiles, multiple trials are required before full operational deployment, and a detailed technical evaluation will determine whether all mission objectives were achieved.

Role of INS Arighaat in India’s Nuclear Triad

INS Arighaat is India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) and is operated by the Strategic Forces Command.

Key details:

• Commissioned on August 29 last year
• Displacement: 6,000 tonnes
• Part of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme

INS Arighaat follows INS Arihant, which became fully operational in 2018 but is limited to K-15 missiles with a range of 750 km.

The recent K-4 launch marks the first such test from INS Arighaat, after earlier K-4 trials conducted from submerged pontoons.

Future SSBNs and Missile Development

India plans to further expand its SSBN fleet under the ATV programme:

• INS Aridhaman – Expected commissioning: Q1 2026
• Fourth SSBN – Expected by 2027–28
• Next-generation SSBNs will displace around 7,000 tonnes
• Long-term plans include 13,500-tonne SSBNs with more powerful nuclear reactors

On the missile front:

• K-4 will be followed by K-5 and K-6 SLBMs
• Expected range: 5,000–6,000 km
• These developments will significantly narrow the strategic gap with major nuclear powers

India’s Nuclear Deterrence Posture

While India’s land-based missiles like Agni-5 and air-delivered nuclear capabilities are well established, SSBNs provide the most survivable and secure second-strike option.

The induction of K-4-equipped submarines greatly enhances India’s second-strike capability, reinforcing its doctrine of credible minimum deterrence under the declared “No First Use” nuclear policy.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• K-4 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile with ~3,500 km range
• Test conducted from INS Arighaat
• INS Arighaat is India’s second SSBN
• Operated by the Strategic Forces Command
• Part of the Advanced Technology Vessel programme
• SSBNs are the most survivable leg of a nuclear triad
• India follows a No First Use nuclear doctrine

Question & Answer

Q1. Which missile was recently tested from INS Arighaat?
(a) K-15
(b) K-3
(c) K-4
(d) Agni-5
Answer: K-4

Q2. INS Arighaat belongs to which category of naval vessels?
(a) Nuclear-powered attack submarine
(b) Aircraft carrier
(c) Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
(d) Destroyer
Answer: Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine

Q3. What is the approximate range of the K-4 missile?
(a) 750 km
(b) 1,500 km
(c) 2,000 km
(d) 3,500 km
Answer: 3,500 km

Q4. Which organisation operates India’s SSBN fleet?
(a) Indian Navy Western Command
(b) Strategic Forces Command
(c) Defence Research and Development Organisation
(d) Integrated Defence Staff
Answer: Strategic Forces Command

Q5. Which doctrine governs India’s use of nuclear weapons?
(a) First strike doctrine
(b) Massive retaliation
(c) Flexible response
(d) No First Use
Answer: No First Use

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