The K4 submarine-launched ballistic missile was being tested since 2010, mostly from underwater pontoons.
Credit: X/ @DDIndialive
New Delhi: India has successfully conducted a flight trial of the 3,500 km range K4 ballistic missile from the nuclear powered submarine INS Arighaat that was inducted in the service a few months ago.
"The test of the ballistic missile was done for the full range. The details are being analysed and the top military and political brass would be briefed by officials concerned on the exact details after complete analysis," defence sources told news agency ANI on nuclear-capable ballistic missile test. The submarine operates under the Strategic Forces Command.
While the Union government didn’t say anything on the missile test, a NOTAM (notice to airmen) used earlier this week indicated a long-range missile flight trial was on the cards.
The K4 submarine-launched ballistic missile was being tested since 2010, mostly from underwater pontoons.
The test on Wednesday was only the second time the missile was from an underwater boat, which will be the platform for such weapons when they are inducted. A long range SLBM is a tool for deterrence as it gives India a second strike capability completing the nuclear triad.
The missile was fired from INS Arighaat, the nation’s second SSBN, that was commissioned in August after seven years of trial. At least two more SSBNs are under construction. All the SSBNs will carry long range K4 and shorter range K-15 missiles.