K-4 Missile Test from submarine INS Arighaat Proves India’s Underwater Strike Potential.

According to information published by The Economic Times on November 28, 2024, India has successfully conducted a test of its nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the INS Arighaat. The test took place in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
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India marks a historic milestone in strategic defense with the successful test of the K-4 nuclear-capable missile from INS Arighaat, strengthening its sea-based nuclear deterrence. (Picture source: Weibo)

The K-4 missile, a solid-fueled ballistic missile with a strike range of 3,500 kilometers, was launched from the 6,000-tonne INS Arighaat, making it the first test of the missile from this submarine. Until now, the K-4 had only been tested from submersible pontoons, making this test a critical leap in validating its operational deployment from an actual nuclear-powered submarine.

The missile’s performance will be rigorously analyzed to assess whether it achieved its intended parameters. The test was preceded by public area warnings and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by India for an intermediate-range missile test window scheduled between November 27 and 30 in the Bay of Bengal.

The INS Arighaat, commissioned into service on August 29, 2024, is India’s second nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles. It represents a major enhancement to India’s Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) fleet.

The K-4 missile, with its 3,500-km range, is a significant upgrade over the K-15 missiles equipped on India’s first SSBN, the INS Arihant, which have a range of 750 km. The Arighaat can carry up to four K-4 missiles, giving India the ability to strike targets deep inside adversary territory from the safety of underwater positions. This capability not only strengthens India's sea-based deterrent but also enhances its survivability in the event of a conflict, as submarine-launched missiles are harder to detect and neutralize.

The test of the K-4 missile is part of India’s broader efforts to modernize its strategic forces and expand its SSBN fleet. The country is preparing to induct its third SSBN, the INS Aridhaman, a larger and more advanced 7,000-tonne submarine, slated for commissioning in early 2025. This expansion underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a continuous at-sea deterrence—a cornerstone of its nuclear triad.

As regional security dynamics evolve, India’s advancements in SSBN capabilities are seen as a response to emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment of submarines like the INS Arighaat, equipped with long-range nuclear missiles, ensures that India remains a formidable force in the strategic defense arena.