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India Successfully Tests Nuclear Ballistic Missile from INS Arighaat

India successfully tested the K-4 nuclear-capable SLBM from INS Arighaat, its advanced nuclear-powered submarine, achieving a 3,500-km range and enhancing its strategic defense capabilities.
authorImageNigam Sharma30 Nov, 2024
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India Successfully Tests Nuclear Ballistic Missile from INS Arighaat

India Successfully Tests Nuclear Ballistic Missile from INS Arighaat: India has achieved a major milestone in its defense capabilities by successfully testing a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the advanced INS Arighaat. This test highlights India’s growing strategic deterrence prowess and commitment to bolstering national security. Here's a detailed overview of this remarkable development, shedding light on the test's significance, the features of INS Arighaat, and the advancements in India's submarine fleet.

K-4 Missile Test from INS Arighaat Overview

This event highlights India’s growing strategic deterrence capabilities and its commitment to enhancing maritime security. The test highlights the operational readiness of INS Arighaat and its role in bolstering India’s nuclear triad. Below is an overview of this crucial development:
Aspect Details
Event Successful test of the K-4 nuclear-capable SLBM
Test Date November 28, 2024
Missile Type K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)
Missile Range 3,500 kilometers
Submarine INS Arighaat
Commissioning Date August 29, 2024
Submarine Type SSBN (Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear)
Significance of Test Strengthens second-strike capability and completes the operational integration of the K-4 missile
Strategic Importance Enhances India’s nuclear deterrence and maritime defense posture
Future Plans Induction of INS Aridhaman, a more advanced SSBN, in early 2025

INS Arighaat and the K-4 Missile; A Game-Changing Test

India recently tested the K-4, a solid-fuel nuclear-capable SLBM with a strike range of 3,500 kilometers, from the INS Arighaat. This marks the missile's first test from an operational submarine, as previous trials were conducted using submersible pontoons. The K-4 missile significantly enhances India’s second-strike capability, a crucial aspect of a robust nuclear deterrent strategy.

Key Features of K-4 Missile:

  • Range: 3,500 kilometers
  • Propulsion: Solid-fuel technology
  • Launch Capability: Submarine-launched, ensuring stealth and survivability
This successful test validates the operational readiness of INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered submarine equipped to carry ballistic missiles.

INS Arighaat; Strengthening India's Naval Deterrence

Commissioned on August 29, 2024, INS Arighaat represents a new era in India’s maritime defense. Unlike its predecessor, INS Arihant, which carries K-15 missiles with a 750-km range, Arighaat can deploy the more advanced K-4 missiles, greatly extending its strategic reach.

Specifications of INS Arighaat:

Feature Details
Type SSBN (Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear)
Displacement 6,000 tonnes
Missile Capacity K-4 nuclear-capable SLBMs
Commissioned Date August 29, 2024
The submarine’s stealth, endurance, and advanced weaponry position it as a key component of India's nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, air-launched weapons, and submarine-based systems.

India’s Expanding Submarine Fleet

India’s naval strength is further supported by its diverse submarine fleet, comprising diesel-electric attack submarines and nuclear-powered vessels. These submarines are instrumental in protecting maritime interests and deterring potential threats.

Overview of Indian Submarine Fleet

Class Type Number Notable Submarines
Shishumar Class Diesel-electric 4 INS Shishumar, INS Shalki
Sindhughosh Class Diesel-electric 8 INS Sindhughosh, INS Sindhukirti
Kalvari Class Diesel-electric 6 INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi
Arihant Class Nuclear-powered 2 (active) INS Arihant, INS Arighaat
The addition of INS Aridhaman, a more advanced SSBN with a displacement of 7,000 tonnes, is expected in early 2025, further enhancing India’s strategic submarine capabilities.

Strategic Importance of SLBMs and SSBNs

Submarine-launched ballistic missiles, paired with nuclear-powered submarines, provide India with a reliable second-strike capability. This ensures deterrence against adversaries and strengthens national security.

Advantages of SLBMs and SSBNs:

  • Stealth and Survivability: Operate undetected in oceans, evading preemptive strikes.
  • Extended Strike Range: Targets can be engaged from vast distances, enhancing strategic depth.
  • Continuous Deterrence: Capable of staying submerged for extended periods, maintaining readiness.
INS Arighaat’s ability to carry the K-4 missile marks a significant upgrade in India’s nuclear arsenal, reaffirming its position as a responsible nuclear power.

Key Highlights of Recent Developments

  1. Strategic Deterrence: The K-4 test from INS Arighaat underscores India’s readiness to respond to potential threats effectively.
  2. Advancement in Technology: India’s shift to operational submarine-based missile tests signals confidence in its indigenous technology.
  3. Strengthened Defense Posture: With the addition of INS Arighaat and soon INS Aridhaman, India’s naval nuclear force is becoming a formidable deterrent.
India’s successful K-4 missile test from INS Arighaat demonstrates a leap forward in its strategic defense capabilities. By integrating advanced SLBMs with cutting-edge submarines, India has strengthened its position in the global nuclear landscape. The addition of INS Arighaat to the naval fleet enhances national security, ensuring a robust and credible deterrent against evolving threats.

Defence Exams Related Links
AFCAT 2024 Notification CDS Notification 2024
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Indian Army Agniveer Notification Indian Airforce Vayu Notification
Indian Agniveer Navy Notification Army MES Recruitment

India Successfully Tests Nuclear Ballistic Missile from INS Arighaat FAQs

Q1. What is the significance of the K-4 missile test from INS Arighaat?

Ans. The successful test of the K-4 missile from INS Arighaat strengthens India's strategic deterrence, enhancing its second-strike capability and reinforcing its nuclear triad, which includes land, air, and sea-based assets.

Q2. What is the range of the K-4 missile?

Ans. The K-4 missile has a strike range of 3,500 kilometers, enabling India to target distant adversaries effectively, thereby bolstering national security and deterrence.

Q3. When was the K-4 missile test conducted?

Ans. The test was successfully conducted on November 28, 2024, from INS Arighaat, marking a significant achievement in India’s defense capabilities.

Q4. What role does INS Arighaat play in India's defense strategy?

Ans. INS Arighaat is a nuclear-powered submarine equipped to carry K-4 missiles, offering India a stealthy, reliable second-strike capability. It is an integral part of India's nuclear deterrence strategy.

Q5. What are the future plans regarding India’s nuclear-powered submarines?

Ans. India plans to induct its third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, in early 2025, further enhancing its strategic deterrent and expanding its underwater nuclear capabilities.
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