India successfully tests new K-4 nuclear-capable, sub-launched ballistic missile



The K-4 SLBM during tests. Photo c/o OBN.

India has successfully conducted its test-launching of the new indigenously-built K-4 intermedite-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). 

Several tests were conducted throughout the third week of January 2020,  with the tests held  at the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Andhra Pradesh using an underwater pontoon to simulate underwater launch.

The development of the missile as well as the tests were overseen by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), and has a maximum range of 3,500 kilometers, allowing the nuclear-tipped missile to hit targets in almost all of Pakistan, and deep within China.

Indian officials believe that the K-4’s accuracy is far better than any Chinese ballistic missile.

The K-4 missile has been in development since 2010, and will be integrated with the Indian Navy’s (IN) Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submaine (SSBN), four of which are planned, and the lead ship already in service.

The DRDO is said to proceed next to develop a longer-ranged SLBM with a maximum range of 5,000 kilometers, using knowledge and experience gained in developing the K-4 missile.


[1] The Defenstar
[2] Economic Times India
[3] The Diplomat

India successfully tests new K-4 nuclear-capable, sub-launched ballistic missile India successfully tests new K-4 nuclear-capable, sub-launched ballistic missile Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 28, 2020 Rating: 5

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