Delhi- India tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a range of about 3,500 kilometers from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Bay of Bengal, boosting its nuclear deterrent and strategic capabilities, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. With this test, India becomes part of the small group of countries that have the capacity to fire nuclear missiles from land, air and submarines.
The K4 missile was test-launched from the submarine INS Arighat off the Visakhapatnam coast on Wednesday, they said, adding that it was the first test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The solid-fuel missile has been tested at least five times from underwater platforms in recent years. The people cited above said the missile was tested at almost its full range. The second Arihant-class submarine, INS Arighat, entered service with the Indian Navy on August 29 with the objective of strengthening India’s nuclear deterrent capability.
It has the distinction of having indigenous systems and equipment, which have been conceptualized, designed, manufactured and integrated by Indian scientists, industry and naval personnel. In recent years, India has been improving its overall military capabilities and developing a series of tests. of missiles.
10 days ago, India successfully flight-tested a long-range hypersonic missile off the coast of Odisha. This weapon can attack at extreme speed and evade most air defense systems. Typically, hypersonic missiles capable of carrying conventional nuclear or explosive warheads travel at five times the speed of sound at sea level (Mach 5, which is equivalent to about 1,220 kilometers). by hour range. However, some advanced versions of hypersonic missiles can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 15.
Currently, Russia and China are far ahead in the development of hypersonic missiles, while the United States is in the process of developing a series of such weapons under an ambitious program. Hypersonic missiles are considered highly maneuverable and agile as they can fly between each other. path. Ballistic missiles, which can fly at speeds up to Mach 5, have limited mobility following predetermined trajectories. India is focusing on strengthening its combat capabilities in the face of China’s aggressive military power.
