29th November 2024 (12 Topics)

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India tests submarine-launched ballistic missile

Context

India has successfully tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile called the K4 from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Bay of Bengal, marking a significant advancement in the country's defense capabilities. The test was conducted from the submarine INS Arighaat, which is based off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Key Details:

The K4 missile, which has a range of about 3,500 km, was tested for nearly its full range. This missile is designed to be launched from submarines, providing India with the ability to strike from the sea.
The missile was launched from the INS Arighaat, India’s second Arihant-class submarine.
- This submarine was commissioned in August 2023 to strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence.
India's Strategic Capability: With this test, India joins a small group of countries that can launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and undersea. This boosts India's nuclear deterrence by diversifying its missile launch platforms.
The K4 missile has been tested several times before, though from submersible platforms instead of a fully functional submarine. This test from a nuclear-powered submarine is the first of its kind.
The K4 is a solid-fuelled missile, which makes it more reliable and quicker to launch compared to liquid-fuelled missiles.

Fact Box: Nuclear Submarine

India's nuclear submarines are advanced naval vessels powered by nuclear reactors, enabling them to operate underwater for extended periods without the need to surface frequently.
Nuclear-powered submarines are of three kinds.
- SSN: The one that carries conventional weapons is called an SSN.
- SSGN: The second type is capable of carrying guided missiles with conventional warheads.
- SSBN: The third, and typically the largest and most complex, is the one that is capable of carrying ballistic missiles that may be nuclear armed — an SSBN.
The SSBN can remain under water for months, and their range limitation is only due to logistics, supplies and crew changes.
India’s SSBN:
- INS Chakra (S1): It was India’s first leased nuclear attack submarine.
- INS Arihant (S2): India launched its first indigenous SSBN in 2009 and commissioned it in 2016.
- INS Arighaat (S3): This year, the Indian Navy inducted its second SSBN, INS Arighaat in August 2024.
- INS Aridhaman (S4): The third submarine, INS Aridhaman, is expected to be commissioned in 2025.
INS Arihant and INS Arighat are already on deep-sea patrols, and India is set to receive a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine on lease by 2028.
In parallel, the sixth diesel-electric Kalvari-class submarine, INS Vagsheer, is expected to be commissioned in December this year.
India’s SSBNs are critical to its strategy against adversaries like China, as aircraft carriers are increasingly vulnerable to Chinese long-range missiles such as the Dong Feng-21 and Dong Feng-26.
India’s nuclear policy:
- India’s policy is to have ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ (CMD) that underpins its ‘No First Use’ commitment.
- In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests under Phokran-II, and in 2003, India declared its nuclear doctrine based on CMD and a NFU policy while reserving the right of massive retaliation if struck with nuclear weapons first.

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

29th November 2024 (12 Topics)

Copy

India tests submarine-launched ballistic missile

Key Details:

Fact Box: Nuclear Submarine

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

India tests submarine-launched ballistic missile

Key Details:

Fact Box: Nuclear Submarine

Still Have Questions?

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