K4, full name Kalam-4, an intermediate-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) nuclear-capable missile was tested from INS Arighaat successfully.
The Indian Navy tested the K4 ballistic missile on 27 November 2024 from the newly commissioned nuclear submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. This marks a significant asset in India’s defense arsenal for atomic deterrence capabilities. India has now bolstered its nuclear triad, as well as its land, air, and sea-based delivery systems.
K4 Test Firing Updates
The Indian Navy successfully test-fired the K-4 missile from the recently added INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. The K-4 nuclear-capable intermediate-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) has a strike range of approximately 3,500 kilometers. The test validated India’s full missile operational capabilities and the country’s second-strike capabilities in the event of a nuclear conflict.
The K-4 SLBM nuclear warhead-capable ballistic missile is developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
K4 Specifications and Capabilities
A solid rocket propellant powers the K-4. It features advanced maneuvering capabilities to evade missile defense systems. The K-4 can also perform in-flight three-dimensional maneuvers. This makes it effective against interception from potential enemy missiles.
The complete specifications of the nuclear-capable warhead are as follows:
| Length: | Approximately 12 meters (39 feet) |
| Diameter: | 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches) |
| Weight: | Approx 17 tonnes |
| Warhead Capacity: | Up to 2 tonnes |
| Range: | Full load: ~3,000 kilometers Reduced load: ~4,000 kilometers |
| Launch Platform | Underwater launch from submarines, specifically the Arihant-class submarines |
K4 Test & Strategic Importance
K-4 successful launch is a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities. The missile can be easily equipped for land, air, and naval defense vehicles with enemy-targeting capabilities. The recent test carried out by INS Arighaat is a testament to that. The nuclear-capable submarine is an upgrade to its predecessor INS Arihant which carried K-15 missiles with a striking capacity of only 750 km.
K-4 missiles are an answer to India’s broader strategy to enhance its naval capabilities. India will also be able to maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries due to K-4 missiles. What makes K-4 missiles unique is that it is the by-product of the country’s self-reliance efforts, the “Aatmanirbharta” initiative (self-reliance) in defense manufacturing.
K-4 Missile Peer Comparison
If we cross-examine the K-4 missile from other countries, it stands behind only the USA, and Russia as seen below:
| Country | Missile Name | Type | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | K-4 | Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) | ~3,500 km |
| China | JL-2 | SLBM | ~4,000 km |
| Pakistan | Babur-3 | SLBM | ~450 km |
| USA | Trident II (D5) | SLBM | ~12,000 km |
| Russia | RSM-56 Bulava | SLBM | ~8,000 km |
| North Korea | Pukguksong-3 | SLBM | ~3,500 km |
The K4 thanks to its range of 3,500 km falls into the category of intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs).
K4 What’s Next?
The K4 missile test done from the newly commissioned nuclear submarine INS Arighaat is a statement by India to its potential enemies about its prowess in nuclear deterrent capabilities. The 3,500 km range missile stands behind only the US and Russia.
Moreover, it is made in India, thus making the country self-reliant in the defense sector. The country is now shifting its stance from defense importer to defense exporter. This missile has made headlines similar to its other missile Brahmos, a joint venture between India and Russia. The INS Arighaat launch also shows its capabilities to target any enemy from land, air, and sea.
While this is a big leap for India, its neighbors, particularly Pakistan, and China won’t take this launch lightly and will showcase their own missiles to make a statement against India.
Indians in the meanwhile are on cloud nine thanks to its military adding another feat to its cap!
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